All about hiatus hernia  causes of hiatus hernia symptoms of hiatus hernia diagnosis of hiatus hernia treatment for hiatus hernia Articles in peptic disorders (stomach disease) - gastritis Barrett's esophagus indigestion (dyspepsia) cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) Zollinger-Ellison syndrome gastroparesis hiatus hernia peptic ulcer gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) |
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How is hiatus hernia diagnosed?
Generally, abdominal hernias need to be seen and felt to be diagnosed. Usually the hernia will increase in size with an increase in abdominal pressure, so the doctor may ask the person to cough while he or she feels the area. Once a diagnosis of an abdominal hernia is made, the doctor will usually send the person to a surgeon for a consultation. Surgery provides the only cure for a hernia through the abdominal wall.
With a hiatal hernia, the diagnosis is based on the symptoms reported by the person. The doctor may then order tests to confirm the diagnosis. If a barium swallow is ordered, the person drinks a chalky white barium solution, which will help any protrusion through the diaphragm show up on the x ray that follows. Currently, a diagnosis of hiatal hernia is more frequently made by endoscopy. This procedure is done by a gastroenterologist (a specialist in digestive diseases). During an endoscopy the person is given an intravenous sedative and a small tube is inserted through the mouth, then into the esophagus and stomach where the doctor can visualize the hernia. The procedure takes about 30 minutes and usually causes no discomfort. It is done on an outpatient basis. |
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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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