Frimley UGI - Upper Gastro-Intestinal Surgeon Mr Raj Veeramootoo logo
Hiatus Hernia
Hiatus hernia can affect people of all ages, but it is most common in adults over the age of 50. It is slightly more common in women than in men.
You are here:

A hiatus hernia occurs when part of your stomach pushes up through an opening in your diaphragm, the muscle that separates your chest from your abdomen. This opening is called the hiatus. Hiatus hernias are very common, especially as you get older. They are often painless, but if they cause symptoms, such as heartburn, they are usually treated with lifestyle changes or medication.

    How Does Hiatus Hernia Present Itself?

    Hiatus hernia can present itself in a variety of ways, depending on the severity of the condition. Some of the most common symptoms of hiatus hernia include:

    • Heartburn: This is a burning sensation in the chest that is often caused by stomach acid backing up into the esophagus.
    • Regurgitation: This is the spitting up of stomach acid into the mouth.
    • Dysphagia: This is difficulty swallowing.
    • Chest pain: This is pain in the chest that is not caused by heart disease.
    • Bloating: This is a feeling of fullness or pressure in the abdomen.
    • Belching: This is the expulsion of air from the stomach through the mouth.

    Common Scenarios

    People with hiatus hernia may experience the following scenarios:

    • Needing to avoid eating certain foods due to their symptoms.
    • Having difficulty traveling due to the need to use the bathroom frequently.
    • Experiencing anxiety or depression due to the challenges of living with a hiatus hernia.

    How You Can Help Yourself

    There are several things you can do to help yourself manage hiatus hernia, including:

    • Lifestyle changes: Certain lifestyle changes can help to improve your symptoms, such as eating a healthy diet, losing weight, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, and avoiding eating before bedtime.
    • Medications: There are a number of medications that can help to control the symptoms of hiatus hernia. These medications work by reducing stomach acid production or by helping to block the passage of stomach acid into the esophagus.
    • Surgery: Surgery is an option for people with severe hiatus hernia that does not respond to lifestyle changes or medication. Surgery involves repairing the weakened area in the diaphragm to prevent the hernia from recurring.

    Why Do People Get Hiatus Hernia?

    The exact cause of hiatus hernia is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of factors, including:

    • Age: Hiatus hernia is more common in older adults. This is because the muscles in the diaphragm weaken with age.
    • Obesity: Obesity is a risk factor for hiatus hernia. This is because excess weight puts extra pressure on the diaphragm.
    • Pregnancy: Pregnancy is a risk factor for hiatus hernia. This is because the growing uterus puts extra pressure on the diaphragm.
    • Genetics: Hiatus hernia may run in families.

    Who Gets Hiatus Hernia?

    Hiatus hernia can affect people of all ages, but it is most common in adults over the age of 50. It is slightly more common in women than in men.

    Frimley Upper GI - fast and effective diagnosis and treatment of Hiatus Hernia illustration

    Symptoms of Hiatus Hernia

    The symptoms of hiatus hernia can vary from person to person. Some of the most common symptoms include:

    • Heartburn: This is a burning sensation in the chest that is often caused by stomach acid backing up into the esophagus.
    • Regurgitation: This is the spitting up of stomach acid into the mouth.
    • Dysphagia: This is difficulty swallowing.
    • Chest pain: This is pain in the chest that is not caused by heart disease.
    • Bloating: This is a feeling of fullness or pressure in the abdomen.
    • Belching: This is the expulsion of air from the stomach through the mouth.

    How Hiatus Hernia Can Affect Lifestyle

    Hiatus hernia can have a significant impact on a person's lifestyle. The symptoms can make it difficult to eat, sleep, and work. They can also lead to anxiety and depression.

    How is Hiatus Hernia treated?

    Treatment for hiatus hernia will depend on the severity of your symptoms. In some cases, lifestyle changes may be enough to manage the symptoms. However, in many cases, medication or surgery is necessary.

    Diagnosing Hiatus Hernia

    Diagnosing hiatus hernia typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests.

    Medical History

    Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms, including when they started, how severe they are, and how they affect your daily life. They will also ask about your medical history, including any family history of hiatus hernia or other gastrointestinal (GI) conditions.

    Physical Examination

    Your doctor will perform a physical examination to check for any signs of hiatus hernia, such as abdominal tenderness or bloating. They may also listen to your abdomen with a stethoscope to check for any unusual sounds.

    Diagnostic Tests

    Diagnostic tests can be used to confirm the diagnosis of hiatus hernia and to determine the severity of the condition. Common diagnostic tests used to diagnose hiatus hernia include:

    • Barium swallow: A barium swallow is an X-ray test that involves drinking a chalky liquid called barium. The barium coats the lining of your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first part of your small intestine), which allows Mr Veeramootoo to see any abnormalities, such as a hiatus hernia.
    • Upper endoscopy: Upper endoscopy is a procedure that involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera at the end (endoscope) down your throat and into your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. This procedure allows Mr Veeramootoo to visualize the lining of your upper GI tract and identify any abnormalities, such as a hiatus hernia.
    • Esophageal manometry: Esophageal manometry is a test that measures the pressure and contractions in your esophagus. This test can help to identify motility problems that may be contributing to symptoms of hiatus hernia, such as difficulty swallowing.

    Possible Outcomes

    The diagnostic tests used to diagnose hiatus hernia are moderately accurate. In one study, a combination of barium swallow and upper endoscopy was 85% accurate in diagnosing hiatus hernia.

    Pre-diagnosis

    Before being diagnosed with hiatus hernia, you may experience symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, dysphagia, chest pain, bloating, and belching. These symptoms can be caused by a variety of conditions, so it is important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis.

    Post-diagnosis

    After being diagnosed with hiatus hernia, you will have the opportunity to discuss treatment options with Mr Veeramootoo. Treatment options will depend on the severity of your symptoms and response to treatment.

    Long-term Effects

    The long-term effects of hiatus hernia can vary depending on the severity of the condition and response to treatment. With proper management, most people with hiatus hernia can live long and healthy lives.

    Hiatus Hernia Surgery/Treatment

    There are two main types of treatment for hiatus hernia: lifestyle changes and surgery.

    Lifestyle Changes

    Certain lifestyle changes can help to improve symptoms of hiatus hernia, such as:

    • Eating a healthy diet: This includes eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and limiting your intake of fatty, spicy, and acidic foods.
    • Losing weight: If you are overweight or obese, losing weight can help to reduce pressure on your diaphragm and improve symptoms.
    • Quitting smoking: Smoking can irritate the lining of your esophagus and worsen symptoms.
    • Avoiding eating before bedtime: Eating close to bedtime can allow stomach acid to back up into your esophagus.
    • Elevating your head: Sleeping with your head elevated can help to prevent stomach acid from backing up into your esophagus.

    Medication

    If lifestyle changes are not enough to control symptoms, Mr Veeramootoo may prescribe medication. Medications used to treat hiatus hernia include:

    • Antacids: Antacids neutralize stomach acid to relieve heartburn.
    • H2 blockers: H2 blockers reduce stomach acid production.
    • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): PPIs are the most effective medications for reducing stomach acid production.

    Hiatus hernia surgery

    Surgery is typically only considered for people with severe hiatus hernia that does not respond to lifestyle changes or medication. Surgery involves repairing the weakened area in the diaphragm to prevent the hernia from recurring.What to Expect After Surgery

    After surgery for hiatus hernia, you will need to follow a special diet and take medication to prevent infection and promote healing. You may also experience some pain and discomfort, but this should subside within a few weeks.

    Mr Raj Veeramootoo Upper GI Consultant Frimley A Hiatus Hernia
    Mr Raj Veeramootoo Upper GI Consultant Frimley Hiatus Hernia Repair - final appearances

    Going Forward After Surgery

    Most people can return to their normal activities within a few weeks after surgery. However, it is important to continue to follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly to prevent hiatus hernia from recurring.

    Conclusion

    Hiatus hernia is a common condition that can affect people of all ages. With proper diagnosis and treatment, most people with hiatus hernia can live long and healthy lives.

    Upper GI Consultant Raj Veeramootoo consultations for a range of Upper GI condtions in Surrey

    Get in touch today for fast, effective diagnosis and treatment with Upper GI Consultant Mr Veeramootoo

    Call 0300 6132634Get in touch online
    Top crossmenu