Hiatus Hernia Treatment in Indore
What is Hiatus Hernia?
A hiatus hernia, also known as a hiatal hernia, occurs when part of the stomach pushes through an opening or weakness in the diaphragm into the chest cavity. The diaphragm is a large muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen and plays a crucial role in breathing by contracting and relaxing.
This herniation can vary in size and seriousness. While many hiatus hernias are symptomless, others may cause issues such as heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, or difficulty swallowing. Treatment options range from lifestyle adjustments to surgical procedures, depending on the severity and symptoms experienced.
Hiatus Hernia and Heartburn
While hiatus hernias themselves rarely cause symptoms, they can lead to a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, the tube that carries food to the stomach. This reflux can occur if a hiatus hernia disrupts the proper functioning of the valve at the lower end of the esophagus.
When the esophagus is exposed to stomach acid, it can become inflamed, resulting in symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, a sour taste in the mouth, and difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).
If you experience frequent and severe symptoms of GERD, it is advisable to consult with a hernia specialist in Indore.
What Causes a Hiatus Hernia?
Hiatus hernias can occasionally occur in newborns. While the exact cause is not fully understood, it may be linked to abdominal pressure or the natural weakening of the diaphragm with age, especially if there are developmental issues with the stomach or diaphragm.
Who's Affected?
Hiatus hernias can be diagnosed at any age, but they are more common in individuals who are:
- Over 50 years of age
- Overweight
- Pregnant
Types of Hiatus Hernia
- Sliding hernias, which account for more than 80% of cases, involve the stomach sliding up and down into the chest region.
- Para-esophageal hernias, also known as rolling hernias, make up about 5–15% of cases. In these hernias, a portion of the stomach pushes through an opening in the diaphragm next to the esophagus.
Treatment of Hiatus Hernia
The main objective in treating a sliding hiatus hernia is to alleviate symptoms of GERD such as heartburn.
Initial treatments typically involve medications and lifestyle changes. Surgery is usually considered only as a final option if prolonged medication use or other treatments prove ineffective.
Lifestyle Advice May Include:
To manage symptoms:
- Opt for smaller, more frequent meals rather than three large ones.
- Stay upright for at least three hours after eating or drinking, including before bedtime.
- Remove any foods or drinks from your diet that worsen your symptoms.