Hiatus Hernia

A hiatus hernia is where part of the stomach pushes up into the lower chest through a defect in the diaphragm. Most people with a hiatus hernia do not have any symptoms or problems. However, the hernia makes you more prone to reflux acid into your oesophagus (gullet) which can cause heartburn and other symptoms. If symptoms do occur, treatment with acid-suppressing medication usually works well.

1. Sliding Hiatus Hernia

Is the most common type. In this situation, the sphincter at the bottom of the oesophagus and the top of the stomach protrudes through the opening (hiatus) in the diaphragm. The hernia may slide up and down, in and out of the lower chest. It is often quite small.

2. Paraoesophageal (Rolling) Hiatus Hernia

Is less common. In this situation, part of the stomach protrudes up through the opening in the diaphragm next to the oesophagus.

Most develop in people over the age of 50. It may be that the diaphragm weakens with age and allows part of the stomach to protrude through the opening in the diaphragm. Factors which increase the pressure in the abdomen such as regular coughing, weight lifting, or being overweight, may increase the risk of developing a hiatus hernia.

•  Acid Reflux
• Heartburn
• Upper abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Acid taste in the mouth,
• Belching
• Regurgitation
• Dysphagia

Treatment:

• Antacids
• Acid supressing medication
• Lifestyle changes
• Surgery for severe symptoms, which are not helped with medication.

Lifestyle Changes:

• Losing weight
• Eating slowly / chewing well
• Eating smaller meals more often than fewer larger meals
• Not eating late at night (last food 3-4 hours before bed)
• Stop smoking
• Reduce alcohol intake
• Reduce caffeine intake
• Avoiding fizzy drinks
• Elevating the head of the bed

Don’t wear tight fitting clothes around your waist.

Further Information:

https://gutscharity.org.uk/