The hiatal hernia is known as the condition when your stomach starts swelling into your chest through the opening that is present in your diaphragm. The diaphragm is known as the muscle that distinguishes the two areas. The opening is known as hiatus. Therefore, the condition is known as hiatal hernia.
There are primarily two different types of Hiatal hernias: paraesophageal and sliding. Most of the time, the food pipe or esophagus travels through the hiatus and then becomes attached to your stomach. If you’re suffering from a sliding hiatal hernia condition, the lower part of the esophagus and your stomach will swell into the chest through the diaphragm. This is a common type of hiatal hernia.
On the other hand, the paraesophageal hernia is much more dangerous than the sliding hiatal hernia. The location of your stomach and esophagus won’t be changed, but a small part of your stomach will swell through the hiatus to sit tightly on your esophagus. Not only your stomach will be squeezed but also lose the vital blood supply. Doctors might also call this condition strangulated hernia.
The Symptoms of Hiatal Hernia
This is one of the most important things you need to know about hiatal hernia. If you don’t know about the symptoms, you won’t be able to know whether you’re suffering from a hiatal hernia. These are the symptoms you need to watch for:
- Bloating
- Bad taste
- Chest pain
- Burping
- Heartburn
- Shortness of breath
- Upset Stomach
However, other symptoms will also indicate that you have a hiatal hernia. If you experience the following symptoms, make sure you visit a hiatal hernia chiropractor.
- Vomiting
- Extreme pain in your belly and chest
- Cannot pass gas or face trouble during poop
- Continuous upset stomach
These are the signs of strangulated hiatal hernia which means that you need to take proper care of your health.
Causes of Hiatal Hernia
Even though the hiatal hernia is an extremely problematic health condition, doctors don’t know the exact cause of the hiatal hernia. As per many reports, causes of hiatal hernia might include:
- A severe or mild injury to the area
- The hiatal opening is larger than usual
- Increase in belly pressure from couching, obesity, and pregnancy.
- Changes in the diaphragm.
Remember that the hiatal hernia condition is more common in women as well as people who are overweight.
Treatment of Hiatal Hernia
Most people fail to notice the symptoms of hiatal hernia and therefore, they don’t go through the proper treatment option.
If you’re suffering from acid reflux, the doctors might recommend you some specific medications that will help you treat the symptoms of hiatal hernia.
- Antacids can weaken stomach acid. As per Healthline, make sure you take precautions while consuming antacids.
- Different types of receptors and inhibitors can prevent your stomach from generating an excessive amount of acid.
Hiatal Hernia Diagnosis
If you’re planning to go through a hiatal hernia diagnosis, the doctors might test the followings:
- Endoscopy: The doctor will put a thin, long tube down your throat so know the esophagus better.
- pH test: This will measure the acid level in your stomach.
Conclusion
This is everything you need to know about hiatal hernia. If you have any other questions, make sure you comment down below.
