Is this the cause of heartburn? Let's talk about Hiatal Hernia!

A problem that many people have is this burning sensation in the stomach , burning sensation in the chest . Sometimes after eating, it feels like it's coming down the throat, like a sour taste. Today we are talking about a condition that can cause this. That is Hiatal Hernia. You may have heard this name. Let's see what it is simply.

Simply put, what is a hiatal hernia?

Imagine that there is a wall made of muscle between our chest and stomach. We call this the diaphragm . It's like a wall separating two rooms. The food we eat goes from the throat to the stomach along the food pipe ( esophagus ). To get from the chest to the stomach, this food pipe has to pass through that great diaphragm. There is a small hole in it. This hole is called the hiatus.

A hiatal hernia is when part of your stomach pushes up through the hole in your abdomen, toward your chest. It's like when a buttonhole on a shirt gets too big, the button pops out easily.

What are the symptoms of a hiatal hernia?

The amazing thing is that many people with a hiatal hernia do not show any symptoms. However, some people may experience these symptoms.

Why does this hiatal hernia occur?

It's often difficult to pinpoint a specific cause for this, but I think these things may be contributing:

• Having a large opening at birth: Some people may be born with a hole called a hiatus that is slightly larger than normal.
• Aging: As you age, the muscles in your diaphragm can weaken.
• Increased intra-abdominal pressure: Things like prolonged coughing, heavy lifting, and straining too hard when going to the toilet can increase intra-abdominal pressure and push the stomach upward.
• Obesity: As body weight increases, pressure on the abdomen increases.
• Injury: Any injury to that area.

Who is most at risk of developing this condition?

• For those with obesity
• For those over 50 years old
• For pregnant mothers
• For those who smoke or chew tobacco

How do you find this, Doctor?

Your doctor may only diagnose you with a hernia when you are experiencing symptoms such as abdominal pain. To confirm this, one or more of the following tests may be performed:

1. Barium Swallow: In this test, you drink a liquid containing a chemical called barium and then have an X-ray. The barium makes your esophagus and stomach clearly visible on the X-ray.

2. Endoscopy: In this test, a thin tube with a camera attached is inserted down your throat and the inside of your esophagus and stomach is examined.

3. Esophageal Manometry: This measures the pressure inside the esophagus when you swallow.

4. pH Test: A small capsule is placed inside the feeding tube and your acid levels are measured for about 48 hours. This capsule does not need to be removed, it will come off on its own and pass out with your stool.

How is a hiatal hernia treated?

Whether or not you get treatment depends on whether you have symptoms and how severe they are.

If there are symptoms, there are treatments such as:

Medicines (drugs)

Medication cannot cure a hernia, but symptoms can be reduced by controlling stomach acid.

• Antacids: They weaken stomach acid.
• Proton Pump Inhibitors or H2 Receptor Blockers: Reduce the production of acid in the stomach.
• Prokinetics: They strengthen the muscles of the esophagus and help stop acid from coming up.

Surgery

Sometimes surgery is necessary. This is the case when:

• If symptoms cannot be controlled with medication and lifestyle changes.
• If the side effects of the medication are difficult to tolerate.
• If the hernia is very large.

This is usually not an emergency surgery. It is usually performed through a keyhole (laparoscopy). This involves making a few small incisions in the abdomen and performing the surgery with the help of a camera. This results in faster healing and less scarring. You will need to stay in the hospital for a day or two after the surgery. It can take two to six weeks to fully recover.

What lifestyle changes do you need to make?

The main cause of a hernia is excess weight. So, it is very important to control your weight.

• Reduce the amount you eat: Eat little by little, not a lot at once.
• Reduce high-fat foods: Reduce creamy sauces, oily foods, and packaged foods (like chips).
• Eat dinner early: Eat dinner 3-4 hours before bedtime. Don't lie down for a while after eating.
• Keep your head slightly elevated when you sleep: Sleep with one or two pillows. This will reduce the amount of acid coming up.
• Stop smoking: Smoking makes this condition worse.
• Identify foods that irritate you: If certain foods (poor foods, chocolate, citrus fruits, coffee) worsen your symptoms, avoid them.

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