Another name of Hiatus Hernia is Hiatal Hernia. Hiatus Hernia is a condition when part of the stomach squeezes up into the chest through an opening in the diaphragm. A diaphragm is a large thin sheet of muscle between the chest and the abdomen. In other words, Hiatus Hernia occurs when an internal tissue of the human organ pushes through a weakness in the wall of the body. It usually occurs in the human body’s place where the food pipe narrows. The disease usually affects people over 50 and often does not require any treatment. But if the disease continues to tumble you, it can result in serious health conditions.
What are the Causes and Risk Factors of Hiatus Hernia
You must be wondering what causes Hiatus Hernia. Basically, the main causes of the structural weaknesses and Hiatus Hernia are not yet clear. Yet, a pressure on a diaphragm can be a potential cause of Hiatus Hernia. This pressure is generally produced due to certain genetic factors.
Not only 50 aged people are affected, but also those who have obesity. Some other risk factors can take place due to heavy weightlifting, straining to empty the bowel or persistent coughing or vomiting. All these actions increase the pressure on the diaphragm and inside the abdominal cavity, that causes hiatus hernia. Moreover, a pregnant woman is also at risk of developing this disease.
Types of Hiatal Hernia
Two common types of hiatus hernia can affect the person. One of the common types of hiatus hernia is sliding Hiatal hernia. This type usually occurs when your stomach and esophagus slide into and out of your chest through the hiatus. Whereas, the other type of Hiatal hernia is the fixed hiatal hernia. It is not a common type and is also known as a para esophageal hernia. But if the disease happens, it must be treated as soon as possible.
Symptoms of Hiatal Hernia
Similar to other diseases, hiatal hernia also has a few mild symptoms. It usually doesn’t show any symptoms in the early stages. But if you feel any symptom, it must be one of the following:
- Heartburn that gets worse when you lean over or lie down
- Chest pain or epigastric pain
- Trouble Swallowing
- Belching
Diagnosis and Treatment of Hiatal Hernia
Several tests are required to diagnose hiatal hernia. But mostly, barium X-ray and endoscopy are performed. In the barium X-ray, your doctor may have you drink a liquid with barium before performing an X-Ray. The barium X-Ray provides a clear silhouette of your digestive tract. Whereas the endoscopy will help you to see your stomach.
There is no need for treatment of Hiatus Hernia in the early stage. But if the symptoms get mild, medications should be taken to cure the symptoms. Medications that can be prescribed are:
- Over-the-counter antacids to neutralize stomach acid.
- H2-receptor blockers that lower acid production
- Proton pump inhibitors to prevent acid production.
