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Log inWhat Is a Hiatal Hernia?
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What Is a Hiatal Hernia?
by mjacobs Thu Aug 02, 2018 3:55 am
A hiatal hernia, or hiatus hernia, happens when the upper part of your stomach pushes up into your chest through an opening in your diaphragm — the muscle that separates your abdomen from your chest.
Types of Hiatal Hernias
There are two main types of hiatal hernias:
Sliding hiatal hernia: This is when part of your stomach intermittently slides up into your chest through the opening in your diaphragm for your esophagus.
The vast majority of hiatal hernias are sliding, also known as type 1.
Paraesophageal hiatal hernia: This is when part of your stomach pushes through the opening in your diaphragm next to your esophagus, so that both your esophagus and part of your stomach are squeezed together.
Causes and Risk Factors
Hiatal hernias can happen because of weakening in the muscle tissue of your diaphragm, which allows your stomach to push up through the opening for your esophagus.
The specific causes of a weakened diaphragm aren’t always clear, but the following factors may play a role:
Age-related changes to your diaphragm
Injury from trauma or surgery
Being born with a large hiatus
Symptoms of a Hiatal Hernia
Many hiatal hernias, especially smaller ones, cause no symptoms and require no treatment.
Heartburn
Acidic or sour taste in your mouth or throat
Regurgitation of foods or beverages into your mouth
Bloated feeling in your abdomen
Frequent belching (burping)Diagnosing a Hiatal Hernia
To diagnose a hiatal hernia, your doctor will first ask you about your symptoms and perform a physical exam.
If you’re experiencing frequent heartburn or chest or abdominal pain, your doctor will probably order tests to look for the cause of your symptoms. These tests may include:
Barium swallow: After drinking a chalky liquid containing barium, you’ll undergo an X-ray to let your doctor see the outline of your upper digestive tract.
Learn About Treatment for Hiatal Hernias at EverydayHealth
Types of Hiatal Hernias
There are two main types of hiatal hernias:
Sliding hiatal hernia: This is when part of your stomach intermittently slides up into your chest through the opening in your diaphragm for your esophagus.
The vast majority of hiatal hernias are sliding, also known as type 1.
Paraesophageal hiatal hernia: This is when part of your stomach pushes through the opening in your diaphragm next to your esophagus, so that both your esophagus and part of your stomach are squeezed together.
Causes and Risk Factors
Hiatal hernias can happen because of weakening in the muscle tissue of your diaphragm, which allows your stomach to push up through the opening for your esophagus.
The specific causes of a weakened diaphragm aren’t always clear, but the following factors may play a role:
Age-related changes to your diaphragm
Injury from trauma or surgery
Being born with a large hiatus
Symptoms of a Hiatal Hernia
Many hiatal hernias, especially smaller ones, cause no symptoms and require no treatment.
Heartburn
Acidic or sour taste in your mouth or throat
Regurgitation of foods or beverages into your mouth
Bloated feeling in your abdomen
Frequent belching (burping)Diagnosing a Hiatal Hernia
To diagnose a hiatal hernia, your doctor will first ask you about your symptoms and perform a physical exam.
If you’re experiencing frequent heartburn or chest or abdominal pain, your doctor will probably order tests to look for the cause of your symptoms. These tests may include:
Barium swallow: After drinking a chalky liquid containing barium, you’ll undergo an X-ray to let your doctor see the outline of your upper digestive tract.
Learn About Treatment for Hiatal Hernias at EverydayHealth
mjacobs- Posts : 1
Join date : 2018-08-02
Re: What Is a Hiatal Hernia?
by Seva Lamberdar Fri Aug 03, 2018 8:15 am
Interesting info. Thanks for posting.
Seva Lamberdar- Posts : 6574
Join date : 2012-11-29 -
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