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.