Hiatal hernia – causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and tips

Hiatal hernia, also known as esophageal hernia or gastroesophageal hernia, is a condition that affects many people around the world.In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnosis methods, treatment options and provide useful tips on managing this condition.

Symptoms of esophageal hernia

The first step in understanding a hiatal hernia is to know its symptoms.Although symptoms may vary depending on the severity of the condition, there are some common signs to look out for:

• 1.Gastroesophageal reflux:One of the main symptoms of a hiatal hernia is the reflux of stomach acid.This may cause heartburn, burning in the chest and indigestion.
• 2.Pain and shortness of breath:Some patients may experience chest pain that may be confused with heart pain.Shortness of breath may also be observed.
• 3.Difficulty swallowing:A hiatal hernia can make swallowing difficult, especially when eating larger pieces of food.
• 4.Bad taste in the mouth:Patients often report a bad taste in the mouth, which may be associated with a reflux esophageal ulcer.

Diagnosis of esophageal hernia

If you are experiencing the above symptoms, it is important to consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis.Diagnosing a hiatal hernia may require several tests, including:

• 1.Endoscopy:This is a procedure during which the doctor inserts a thin infusion into the esophagus to carefully examine its interior and any changes.
• 2.X-ray examination:An X-ray of the esophagus with contrast may help identify a hernia.
• 3.Measure pH:Measuring acid levels in the esophagus may be useful in diagnosing gastroesophageal reflux.

Treatment of esophageal hernia

Once the diagnosis is made, your doctor will be able to recommend appropriate treatment.Possible therapeutic methods include:

• 1.Drug treatment:For mild symptoms of a hiatal hernia, anti-ulcer medications, proton pump inhibitors, and medications that reduce stomach acidity may provide relief.
• 2.Diet and lifestyle changes:Avoiding foods that trigger reflux, avoiding eating before bed, and elevating your head while sleeping can help control symptoms.
• 3.Surgical treatment:In cases that are serious or do not respond to medical treatment, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair the hernia.

Your suggestions

If you have a hiatal hernia, there are many steps you can take to relieve your symptoms and improve your quality of life.Here are some suggestions:

• 1.Follow your doctor’s recommendations:It is important to see your doctor regularly and follow his treatment recommendations.
• 2.Take care of your diet:Avoid foods that worsen reflux symptoms, such as spicy, fatty or acidic foods.
• 3.Modify your lifestyle:Elevate the head of your bed while you sleep and avoid eating large meals right before bed.

Recommended articles

If you are interested in the topic of hiatal hernia, we recommend that you read the following articles, which may provide you with additional information on this topic:

• 1.Gastroesophageal reflux – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
• 2.Diet for reflux – What to eat and what to avoid?
• 3.Hiatal hernia and a healthy lifestyle

A hiatal hernia can be a bothersome condition, but appropriate treatment and changes to your diet and lifestyle can help control its symptoms.It is worth consulting a doctor to receive professional care and support in dealing with this condition.