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Hernia
Overview:
A hernia occurs when one part of the body protrudes through a gap or opening into another part. A hiatal hernia forms at the opening in your diaphragm where your food pipe (esophagus) joins your stomach. Part of the stomach pushes through this opening causing a hiatal hernia.
Signs and Symptoms:
Small hernias
Most small hiatal hernias cause no problems.
Large hernias
Larger hernias may cause the following signs and symptoms when stomach acids back up into your esophagus.
* Heartburn
* Belching
* Chest pain
* Nausea
Causes and Organs Affected:
The exact cause of hiatal hernias isn't known. Your chest cavity and abdomen are separated by your diaphragm — a large dome-shaped muscle that's responsible for a major part of normal breathing. Your esophagus passes into your stomach through an opening in the diaphragm called the hiatus. Hiatal hernias occur when the muscle tissue surrounding this opening becomes weak, and the upper part of your stomach bulges up through the diaphragm into your chest cavity.
Risk Factor:
You may have an increased risk of hiatal hernia if:
* You're age 50 or older
* You're obese
* You smoke
Children with the condition are usually born with it.
Treatment:
If you don't have any signs or symptoms from a hiatal hernia — and most people don't — you probably won't need any treatment. But if you're experiencing recurrent gastroesophageal reflux, you may get relief from a few simple changes in your lifestyle. If you're overweight, losing weight alone may relieve your symptoms.
Other Information:
A variety of lifestyle changes can help ease the gastroesophageal reflux that may accompany a hiatal hernia. Some or all of the following measures may help: Eat Small Meals, Avoid problem foods and alcohol, Limit fatty foods, Sit up after you eat, Don't exercise immediately after eating, Lose weight, Stop Smoking, Avoid certain medications, if possible, Elevate the head of your bed, Avoid tightfitting clothes and Take time to relax.