What causes hiatus hernia?
This may be unclear but in addition to a hiatus hernia which may promote reflux some foods such as citrus fruits, bananas or chocolate and some drinks such as colas, coffee or alcohol containing drinks are likely to make the symptoms worse.
Symptoms are also made worse by smoking.
Most hernias result from a weakness in the abdominal wall that either develops or that an infant is born with (congenital). Any increase in pressure in the abdomen, such as coughing, straining, heavy lifting, or pregnancy, can be a considered causative factor in developing an abdominal hernia. Obesity or recent excessive weight loss, as well as aging and previous surgery, are also risk factors.
Most abdominal hernias appear suddenly when the abdominal muscles are strained. The person may feel tenderness, a slight burning sensation, or a feeling of heaviness in the bulge. It may be possible for the person to push the hernia back into place with gentle pressure, or the hernia may disappear by itself when the person reclines. Being able to push the hernia back is called reducing it. On the other hand, some hernias cannot be pushed back into place, and are termed incarcerated or irreducible.
A hiatal hernia may also be caused by obesity, pregnancy, aging, or previous surgery. About 50% of all people with hiatal hernias do not have any symptoms. If symptoms exist they will include heartburn, usually 30–60 minutes following a meal. There may be some mid chest pain due to gastric acid from the stomach being pushed up into the esophagus. The pain and heartburn are usually worse when lying down. Frequent belching and feelings of abdominal fullness may also be present. |
More information on hiatus hernia
What is a hiatus hernia? - A hiatus hernia is the protrusion of the stomach above the diaphragm. This condition may be a congenital disorder or the result of trauma.
What causes hiatus hernia? - Most hernias result from a weakness in the abdominal wall. A hiatal hernia may also be caused by obesity, pregnancy, aging, or previous surgery.
What are the symptoms of hiatus hernia? - Most people are not troubled by their hiatus hernia, but if reflux of the acid contents of the stomach occurs, you get heartburn.
How is hiatus hernia diagnosed? - The diagnosis of hiatus hernia is confirmed by barium meal X-rays or by passing a tube with a camera on the end into the stomach (gastroscopy).
What's the treatment for hiatus hernia? - Treatments include for hiatus hernia avoiding reclining after meals, avoiding spicy foods, acidic foods, alcohol, and tobacco, bland meals, eating a high-fiber diet. |
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