Hiatal Hernia

HIATAL HERNIA IN NORTHWEST FLORIDA

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When the upper part of your stomach bulges through your diaphragm (the large muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen), you are experiencing a hiatal hernia. While there is a small opening in the diaphragm for the esophagus to pass before it connects to the stomach, if the stomach can push through that opening toward the chest it can cause issues. These issues typically stem from a large hiatal hernia that can cause food and acid to back up into the esophagus which will cause heartburn and other digestive problems. 

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  • What Causes a Hiatal Hernia?

    When weaknesses in the muscle tissue around the abdomen occur it can allow the stomach to push through the diaphragm. Typically age-related changes in the diaphragm can cause a hiatal hernia. A naturally large hiatus (the small opening in the diaphragm that the esophagus passes through) can also accentuate a hiatal hernia.  Intense stress and pressure on the diaphragm’s surrounding muscles from actions like heavy lifting, vomiting, coughing, and other straining actions can also lead to a hiatal hernia after persistent experiences.

  • What Risk Factors Can Elevate the Likelihood of Developing a Hiatal Hernia?

    While there are several factors that can cause this type of hernia, there are a couple of factors that can enhance the probability of developing a hiatal hernia.  It is most common in people that are obese, and, or over the age of 50.

  • What are the Symptoms of a Hiatal Hernia?

    If you have a smaller hiatal hernia there may be no noticeable symptoms.  However, there are several telltale signs of a larger hiatal hernia.  Difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, heartburn, abdominal and chest pain, acid reflux, and the indication of gastrointestinal bleeding (black stool or vomiting blood) are all signs that you may have a hiatal hernia.

  • How is a Hiatal Hernia Diagnosed?

    There are several different procedures that can be used to identify a hiatal hernia.  These tests are done to determine the cause of the underlying heartburn and chest and abdominal pain.  An upper endoscopy, which is a light and camera that is placed down the throat, can be used to identify inflammation in the stomach and esophagus.  An esophageal manometry tests the rhythmic muscle contractions during swallowing in the esophagus.  This data can identify a hiatal hernia.  


    An x-ray of the upper digestive system after a chalky liquid is ingested can make the silhouette of the esophagus, upper intestine, and stomach visible, making any potential hernia diagnosable.  

  • How is a Hiatal Hernia Treated?

    Because most people with a hiatal hernia don’t suffer from significant symptoms, it is not uncommon for this condition to go untreated.  However, if there are side effects like heartburn or acid reflux different medications can be prescribed or recommended to ease the discomfort.


    For more serious cases of a hiatal hernia surgery may be required.  If medication can’t alleviate the symptoms, or they worsen, certain surgical options will be the best form of treatment.  These procedures may involve reconstructing the esophageal sphincter or pulling the stomach back down in the abdomen.  

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HERNIA BLOG

5 Effective Core-Strengthening Exercises To Help Prevent Hernias
By Digestive Diseases Center 27 Dec, 2023
Strengthening your core can be pivotal in preventing hernias and maintaining overall well-being. Here are some effective strategies and exercises to fortify your core muscles and reduce the risk of hernias.
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