Hiatal hernia
is an abnormality in which part of the
stomach protrudes through the diaphragm and
up into the chest. There are two main types
of hiatal hernias, sliding and
paraesophageal.
A sliding hiatal hernia is the most
common type of hernia. With this type of
hernia the stomach and the section of the
esophagus that joins the stomach slide up
into the chest, through the hiatus.
The paraesophageal hernia is less common,
but more serious. With this type of hernia
the esophagus and stomach stay in their
normal locations but part of the stomach
squeezes through the hiatus, landing next to
the esophagus. Although you may have this
type of hernia without symptoms the danger
is that the stomach can have its blood
supply shut off.
There are several reasons hiatal hernias
develop. Some people develop a hiatal hernia
after sustaining an injury to that area of
the body. Some doctors suspect that
increased pressure in the stomach from
coughing, straining during bowel movements,
pregnancy and delivery or weight gain may
contribute to the development of a hiatal
hernia.
If you have a hiatal hernia you may or
may not have symptoms. The symptom that you
will most likely have is gastroesophageal
reflux disease or GERD.
This occurs because
the formation of the hernia interferes with
the lower esophageal sphincter which
prevents acid from refluxing from the
stomach into the esophagus. Hiatal hernia is
diagnosed by x-ray or endoscopy.
Paraesophageal hernias require surgery if
symptoms are severe enough. Sliding hiatal
hernias may not cause symptoms.
However, if
GERD is present, medication is prescribed to
help eliminate symptoms of GERD.
A hiatal hernia is an abnormality of the
esophagus. It can contribute to
gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD.
Treatment for most hiatal hernias is the
same treatment used for GERD.
If you think you might have a hiatal
hernia see your doctor for proper
diagnosis and treatment.
