Hiatal Hernia

Hiatal Hernia is a medical condition where a part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm muscle. This condition is common in people over 50 years of age and can cause symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and chest pain.

Causes

The exact cause of a Hiatal Hernia is unknown. However, it is believed to occur due to a weakening of the diaphragm muscle. This can be caused by factors such as age, injury, or persistent and intense pressure on the surrounding muscles, such as from coughing, vomiting, or straining during a bowel movement.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a Hiatal Hernia can vary greatly from person to person. Some people may not experience any symptoms at all, while others may experience severe symptoms. Common symptoms include:

• Heartburn
• Difficulty swallowing
• Chest pain
• Feeling full quickly after eating
• Shortness of breath
• Vomiting of blood or passing of black stools, which may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding

Diagnosis

A Hiatal Hernia is typically diagnosed through a series of tests. These may include:

• Barium X-ray: This involves drinking a liquid that coats the digestive tract and makes it visible on an X-ray.
• Endoscopy: This involves using a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera attached to it to view the inside of the esophagus and stomach.

Treatment

Treatment for a Hiatal Hernia depends on the severity of the symptoms. In mild cases, lifestyle changes such as diet modifications and avoiding certain activities that can exacerbate the hernia may be recommended. In more severe cases, medication or surgery may be necessary.

See Also

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
• Peptic Ulcer
• Stomach Cancer

Hiatal Hernia Resources
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