Hiatus hernia, also known as hiatal hernia, is a condition in which a portion of the stomach protrudes into the chest through an opening in the diaphragm called the hiatus. The diaphragm is the muscle that separates the chest and abdominal cavities and helps in breathing.
Symptoms: The majority of people with hiatus hernia do not experience any symptoms. However, for some people, the condition may cause symptoms such as:
- Heartburn: A burning sensation in the chest, which can be triggered by lying down or bending over.
- Regurgitation: A sour or bitter taste in the mouth, caused by the stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus.
- Difficulty swallowing: A feeling of food getting stuck in the throat.
- Chest pain: This can mimic the symptoms of a heart attack, but it is usually not related to the heart.
- Shortness of breath: This occurs when the hernia compresses the lungs, making it difficult to breathe.
Diagnosis: The diagnosis of hiatus hernia involves a physical examination, medical history review, and imaging tests such as X-ray, endoscopy, or a CT scan. During endoscopy, a thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the mouth to examine the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. The endoscope can detect the presence of a hiatus hernia, as well as any damage to the esophagus caused by stomach acid.
Management: The treatment for hiatus hernia depends on the severity of the symptoms. For people with mild or no symptoms, lifestyle changes may be sufficient. These changes may include:
- Losing weight if you are overweight
- Elevating the head of the bed by 6-8 inches
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals
- Avoiding trigger foods that can worsen symptoms, such as spicy or acidic foods, caffeine, and alcohol
- Quitting smoking
In cases where symptoms are severe or do not improve with lifestyle changes, medication may be prescribed to reduce the amount of acid in the stomach or to help the esophagus heal. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the hernia. Surgery is usually reserved for people who do not respond to other treatments, or who experience complications such as bleeding, obstruction, or perforation.
In conclusion, hiatus hernia is a common condition that is often asymptomatic. However, for some people, it can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing. The diagnosis is made through physical examination and imaging tests, and treatment may involve lifestyle changes, medication, or surgery. If you experience any of the symptoms associated with hiatus hernia, it is important to consult your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
If you suffer from any of the above problems, we at Saraf Hospital would be happy to help. Our medical and surgical gastroenterologists are trained in managing this condition with the appropriate therapies to ensure symptom relief and cure.
Contact us at
vgsarafhospital@gmail.com
Phone : +91-484-4234500