Hiatal hernia is a small structure that forms when part of the stomach passes through an opening in the esophageal hiatus, which is located in the diaphragm and usually only allows the passage of the esophagus.
The causes of the formation of a hiatal hernia have not yet been established, however, obesity and excessive physical activity may promote the onset of this hernia. When this happens, the initial part of the stomach is not in the correct position, so it is drawn from the diaphragm, which facilitates the return of the acid contained inside the esophagus, causing gastroesophageal reflux and burning sensation in the throat.
- Diagnosis of hiatal hernia may be hacked by your doctor after observing reflux symptoms.
- As the only way to confirm the existence of a sea hernia by imaging.
- Such as an endoscopy or barium contrast test.
- For example.
- Learn more about hernias and how to produce them.
Most people with hiatal hernia have current symptoms, but those who occur appear 20 to 30 minutes after meals and tend to disappear soon after, even if they are:
These symptoms can also indicate reflux, and therefore it is common for GERD to be diagnosed before a hiatal hernia.
Hiatal hernia can be caused by excessive physical activity that requires a lot of strength such as weightlifting, for example, in addition to this, overweight, reflux and chronic diseases can also cause hiatal hernia, especially in larger people; however, in most cases, it is not possible to identify the origin of this change.
The best treatment option for hiatus is weight loss, although necessary in most cases, adjusting the diet and avoiding the consumption of foods high in fats or spices, as well as alcoholic beverages, foods that are more difficult to digest and can worsen the symptoms of the disease, since they should always be avoided.
In addition to this, it is important to prepare light meals and eat every 3 hours to treat diseases, as well as to avoid getting used to eating and not drinking liquids in food.
See other important precautions to think that also help reduce the discomfort in the video below:
Hiatal hernia surgery is only indicated in the most severe cases and when dietary care is not sufficient to relieve symptoms caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease or when the hernia is strangled, for example.
This type of surgery is performed by laparoscopy and under general anesthesia and full recovery takes about 2 months. Learn more about reflux surgery.