Health Care

What is a hiatus hernia?

Your diaphragm is a sheet of muscle across your abdominal area below your lungs which assists with your breathing. Your esophagus, that is, your gullet through which food passes from your mouth to your stomach, passes through a small opening in your diaphragm. This is the weakest part of your diaphragm. A hiatus hernia occurs when a section of your esophagus and stomach protrudes through that opening upwards into your chest cavity.

The symptoms of a hiatus hernia usually include heartburn and swallowing difficulties. At times Inflammation of the esophagus can occur and this is an additional complication.

If you have any of these symptoms indicative of a hiatus hernia, there are a number of things you can do to help these. However there are two important provisos:

• you should not assume that because you have some of these symptoms, that you do actually have a hiatus hernia - you should see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis;

• if you are diagnosed with hiatus hernia and are attempting some of the following suggested treatments and there is any change in your symptoms, or they get worse, you should see your doctor immediately.

What can you do for your hiatus hernia?

• instead of having three larger meals each day eating several smaller meals will help by putting put less pressure on your stomach;

• do not lie down after eating. You should always wait at least two hours, preferably longer before lying down. By waiting this long it means that most of your food will have passed through your stomach into your small intestine and so is no longer likely to flow back into your esophagus. This also means that you should not eat before going to bed at night - avoid supper;

• you should avoid foods and beverages that aggravate symptoms of reflux - these include citrus fruits, alcohol, and caffeine-containing drinks such as tea, coffee and cola;

• wait at least two hours after eating before you do any exercise;

• for sleeping, raise the head of your bed by about four to six inches. This will help stop stomach acid from moving upwards into your esophagus while you are asleep;

• if you are able to do so, avoid using pillows in your bed as raising your head can often put additional pressure on your abdomen;

• where possible, avoid bending over or stooping, especially after eating;

• do not attempt to lift very heavy objects that cause you to strain;

• avoid wearing tight clothing that restricts your chest and stomach.

• if you are a smoker - give up! Smoking increases stomach acid reflux.

• losing weight is one of the most important things you can do to reduce the pressure on your stomach and reduce symptoms. If you are overweight, you should discuss with your doctor a safe weight loss plan suitable for you.

Building some or all of these lifestyle changes into your daily routines should bring about improvement in the symptoms of your hiatus hernia. But you should always remember the two provisos given above:

• if you have acid reflux, and perhaps some associated pain you should not just assume that you have a hiatus hernia - you should consult your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis;

• if, after diagnosis and while trying some suggested treatments, you notice significant changes in your symptoms - you should consult your medical practitioner.

About the Author
John Vanse has a network of health related sites. For more information about hernia and hernia treatments - see: Your Hernia Solutions For information about establishing and maintaining your healthy lifestyle see: The Better Health Guide