How Hiatal Hernia Can Cause 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 type is more complicated and may require invasive treatment. While the stomach and the esophagus remain in place, part of the stomach comes through the hiatus opening to sit beside the esophagus.

There may not be any symptoms, but the concern lies with the possibility of the blood supply to the stomach becoming restricted.

Possible symptoms: gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), heartburn and pain in the chest.

Causes:

An enlarged or weakened hiatus, trauma, pressure on the abdominal.

Groups at risk:

People older than fifty, people who are overweight, newborns, people who smoke.

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:

A procedure in which several small incisions in the abdomen are made, through which surgical instruments are inserted and pictures are taken of the inside of the abdominal area.

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.