Hiatal hernia: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
A '''hiatal hernia''' occurs when a part of the stomach pushes up through the [[diaphragm]] and into the [[chest cavity]]. The diaphragm is a large muscle that helps with breathing and separates the chest cavity from the abdomen. The opening in the diaphragm through which the esophagus passes is called the [[hiatus]]. When the stomach bulges through this opening, it is referred to as a hiatal hernia. | | name = Hiatal hernia | ||
| image = [[File:Hiatalhernia.gif|alt=Hiatal hernia]] | |||
| caption = Diagram of a hiatal hernia | |||
| field = [[Gastroenterology]] | |||
| synonyms = Hiatus hernia | |||
| symptoms = [[Heartburn]], [[regurgitation]], [[dysphagia]] | |||
| complications = [[Gastroesophageal reflux disease]] (GERD), [[esophagitis]], [[Barrett's esophagus]] | |||
| onset = More common with [[age]] | |||
| duration = Can be [[chronic (medicine)|chronic]] | |||
| causes = [[Obesity]], [[pregnancy]], [[aging]], [[trauma (medicine)|trauma]] | |||
| risks = [[Obesity]], [[smoking]], [[pregnancy]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Endoscopy]], [[barium swallow]], [[esophageal manometry]] | |||
| differential = [[Peptic ulcer disease]], [[esophageal cancer]], [[angina]] | |||
| treatment = [[Lifestyle changes]], [[medication]], [[surgery]] | |||
| medication = [[Proton pump inhibitors]], [[H2 receptor antagonists]] | |||
| frequency = Common, especially in those over 50 | |||
}} | |||
[[file:Hiatal_Hernia.png|left|thumb]] [[file:Hernia_de_hiato.ogg|left|thumb]] [[file:HiatusHernia10.JPG|left|thumb]] [[file:Hiatus_hernia_with_air-fluid_level.jpg|left|thumb]] A '''hiatal hernia''' occurs when a part of the stomach pushes up through the [[diaphragm]] and into the [[chest cavity]]. The diaphragm is a large muscle that helps with breathing and separates the chest cavity from the abdomen. The opening in the diaphragm through which the esophagus passes is called the [[hiatus]]. When the stomach bulges through this opening, it is referred to as a hiatal hernia. | |||
==Types== | ==Types== | ||
There are two main types of hiatal hernias: | There are two main types of hiatal hernias: | ||
* '''Sliding hiatal hernia''': This is the most common type, where the stomach and the section of the esophagus that joins the stomach slide up into the chest through the hiatus. | * '''Sliding hiatal hernia''': This is the most common type, where the stomach and the section of the esophagus that joins the stomach slide up into the chest through the hiatus. | ||
* '''Paraesophageal hiatal hernia''': This is less common but more serious. Part of the stomach pushes through the hiatus and sits next to the esophagus. This type can lead to more severe complications. | * '''Paraesophageal hiatal hernia''': This is less common but more serious. Part of the stomach pushes through the hiatus and sits next to the esophagus. This type can lead to more severe complications. | ||
==Causes== | ==Causes== | ||
The exact cause of hiatal hernias is not always clear, but several factors may contribute, including: | The exact cause of hiatal hernias is not always clear, but several factors may contribute, including: | ||
| Line 15: | Line 30: | ||
* [[Obesity]] | * [[Obesity]] | ||
* [[Pregnancy]] | * [[Pregnancy]] | ||
==Symptoms== | ==Symptoms== | ||
Many people with a hiatal hernia do not experience any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include: | Many people with a hiatal hernia do not experience any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include: | ||
| Line 24: | Line 38: | ||
* Feeling full soon after eating | * Feeling full soon after eating | ||
* Shortness of breath | * Shortness of breath | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Hiatal hernias are often discovered during tests for other conditions. Common diagnostic methods include: | Hiatal hernias are often discovered during tests for other conditions. Common diagnostic methods include: | ||
| Line 31: | Line 44: | ||
* [[Esophageal manometry]] | * [[Esophageal manometry]] | ||
* [[pH test]] | * [[pH test]] | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
Treatment for a hiatal hernia depends on the severity of the symptoms. Options include: | Treatment for a hiatal hernia depends on the severity of the symptoms. Options include: | ||
| Line 37: | Line 49: | ||
* Medications to reduce stomach acid, such as [[antacids]], [[H2-receptor antagonists]], and [[proton pump inhibitors]] | * Medications to reduce stomach acid, such as [[antacids]], [[H2-receptor antagonists]], and [[proton pump inhibitors]] | ||
* Surgery, in severe cases, to reposition the stomach and repair the hiatus | * Surgery, in severe cases, to reposition the stomach and repair the hiatus | ||
==Complications== | ==Complications== | ||
If left untreated, a hiatal hernia can lead to complications such as: | If left untreated, a hiatal hernia can lead to complications such as: | ||
| Line 43: | Line 54: | ||
* Esophagitis | * Esophagitis | ||
* Strangulation of the hernia, which can cut off blood supply to the stomach | * Strangulation of the hernia, which can cut off blood supply to the stomach | ||
==Prevention== | ==Prevention== | ||
While it may not be possible to prevent a hiatal hernia entirely, certain measures can reduce the risk: | While it may not be possible to prevent a hiatal hernia entirely, certain measures can reduce the risk: | ||
| Line 50: | Line 60: | ||
* Eating smaller meals | * Eating smaller meals | ||
* Avoiding foods and drinks that trigger heartburn | * Avoiding foods and drinks that trigger heartburn | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
* [[Gastroesophageal reflux disease]] | * [[Gastroesophageal reflux disease]] | ||
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* [[Diaphragm]] | * [[Diaphragm]] | ||
* [[Stomach]] | * [[Stomach]] | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist}} | {{Reflist}} | ||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
{{Commons category|Hiatal hernia}} | {{Commons category|Hiatal hernia}} | ||
[[Category:Digestive diseases]] | [[Category:Digestive diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Gastroenterology]] | [[Category:Gastroenterology]] | ||
[[Category:Medical conditions]] | [[Category:Medical conditions]] | ||
{{medicine-stub}} | {{medicine-stub}} | ||
Revision as of 04:26, 7 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's weight loss doctor NYC
Philadelphia GLP-1 weight loss and GLP-1 clinic NYC
| Hiatal hernia | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | Hiatus hernia |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Heartburn, regurgitation, dysphagia |
| Complications | Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus |
| Onset | More common with age |
| Duration | Can be chronic |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Obesity, pregnancy, aging, trauma |
| Risks | Obesity, smoking, pregnancy |
| Diagnosis | Endoscopy, barium swallow, esophageal manometry |
| Differential diagnosis | Peptic ulcer disease, esophageal cancer, angina |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Lifestyle changes, medication, surgery |
| Medication | Proton pump inhibitors, H2 receptor antagonists |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Common, especially in those over 50 |
| Deaths | N/A |
A hiatal hernia occurs when a part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm and into the chest cavity. The diaphragm is a large muscle that helps with breathing and separates the chest cavity from the abdomen. The opening in the diaphragm through which the esophagus passes is called the hiatus. When the stomach bulges through this opening, it is referred to as a hiatal hernia.
Types
There are two main types of hiatal hernias:
- Sliding hiatal hernia: This is the most common type, where the stomach and the section of the esophagus that joins the stomach slide up into the chest through the hiatus.
- Paraesophageal hiatal hernia: This is less common but more serious. Part of the stomach pushes through the hiatus and sits next to the esophagus. This type can lead to more severe complications.
Causes
The exact cause of hiatal hernias is not always clear, but several factors may contribute, including:
- Age-related changes in the diaphragm
- Injury to the area
- Persistent and intense pressure on the surrounding muscles, such as from coughing, vomiting, or straining during bowel movements
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
Symptoms
Many people with a hiatal hernia do not experience any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Heartburn
- Regurgitation of food or liquids into the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Chest or abdominal pain
- Feeling full soon after eating
- Shortness of breath
Diagnosis
Hiatal hernias are often discovered during tests for other conditions. Common diagnostic methods include:
Treatment
Treatment for a hiatal hernia depends on the severity of the symptoms. Options include:
- Lifestyle changes, such as eating smaller meals, avoiding certain foods, and not lying down after eating
- Medications to reduce stomach acid, such as antacids, H2-receptor antagonists, and proton pump inhibitors
- Surgery, in severe cases, to reposition the stomach and repair the hiatus
Complications
If left untreated, a hiatal hernia can lead to complications such as:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Esophagitis
- Strangulation of the hernia, which can cut off blood supply to the stomach
Prevention
While it may not be possible to prevent a hiatal hernia entirely, certain measures can reduce the risk:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Avoiding heavy lifting
- Eating smaller meals
- Avoiding foods and drinks that trigger heartburn
See also
References
External links
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