Is Hiatal Hernia Causing Your Heartburn?
Heartburn is a common occurrence for millions of people worldwide. Irritation to the esophagus due to the reflux of stomach acids, resulting from improper closing of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) after the passage of food to the stomach.
While the most common cause is certain foods we eat, could it be hiatal hernia?
What is hiatal hernia?
If an internal organ pushes it ways through to an area, it is not meant to be this is known as a hernia. Inside the diaphragm is an opening called the hiatus which connects the esophagus to the stomach. If the stomach comes through, this opening it is known as a hiatal hernia.
Two types:
Sliding hiatal hernia: This type is the most common of the two. The stomach and an adjoining part of the esophagus slides upward into the chest cavity by way of the hiatus opening in the diaphragm.
Paraesophageal hernia: This is the more complicated of the two and will usually require invasive treatment. This is where part of the stomach comes through the hiatus and sits beside the esophagus.
Symptoms may not be present but the problem is the possible restriction of the blood supply to the stomach.
Possible symptoms: gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), heartburn and pain in the chest.
Causes:
Weakened or enlarged hiatus, trauma to the area, increased abdominal pressure.
Groups at risk:
People over 50 years of age, newborns, obesity, gender (more women than men get hiatus hernia) and smoking.
Diagnosis and treatment:
There are two tests that can be used to determine if a hiatus hernia is present – an endoscopy and a barium swallow.
Laparoscopy:
This is a procedure that uses small incisions in the abdomen through which instruments are inserted to take pictures.
This procedure lowers the risks of pain, scarring and infection and recovery is generally quicker.
Although symptoms are not always present, if you should develop severe chest or abdominal pain, have nausea or vomiting, constipation, and inability to pass gas, your hiatus hernia may be obstructed or strangulated. Emergency care is vital at this point and surgery may be required.
If your heartburn is frequent, hitaus hernia could be one of the possible causes, you should talk with your doctor as soon as possible to get the problem worked out.
Related Posts...
When Heartburn Isn\'t Heartburn by Health Information
It's just heartburn.
What To Look For In An Acid Reflux Cure by Health Information
More and more people than ever are finding themselves suffering from GERD, heartburn and acid reflux disease, leaving them struggling to find the best acid reflux cure.
