Hiatus hernia
Hiatus Hernia
Hiatus hernia (pronounced: hi-AY-tus HER-nee-uh) is a medical condition where a part of the stomach bulges up through the diaphragm into the chest cavity.
Etymology
The term "hiatus" is derived from the Latin word "hiatus" meaning "opening" or "gap". "Hernia" is derived from the Latin word "hernia" meaning "rupture".
Definition
A hiatus hernia is a type of hernia in which the upper part of the stomach protrudes into the chest through a tear or weakness in the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen.
Types
There are two main types of hiatus hernias: sliding and paraesophageal.
- Sliding Hiatus Hernia - This is the most common type of hiatus hernia. It occurs when the stomach and the section of the esophagus that joins the stomach slide up into the chest through the hiatus.
- Paraesophageal Hiatus Hernia - This is a less common but more serious type of hiatus hernia. It occurs when part of the stomach pushes through the hiatus and lies beside the esophagus, without involving the esophagus.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a hiatus hernia can include heartburn, acid reflux, difficulty swallowing, chest pain, and feeling full quickly after eating.
Causes
The exact cause of hiatus hernias is not known, but they are thought to be caused by a weakening of the diaphragm with age, injury, or from pressure on the abdomen.
Treatment
Treatment for a hiatus hernia may include lifestyle changes, medication, or surgery. The type of treatment will depend on the size of the hernia and the severity of symptoms.
Related Terms
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) - A condition in which stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus).
- Esophagus - The tube that connects the throat (pharynx) with the stomach.
- Diaphragm - The muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hiatus hernia
- Wikipedia's article - Hiatus hernia
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