Hiatal Hernia
Hiatal Hernia
Hiatal Hernia (pronounced: hi-AY-tal 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 "Hiatal Hernia" is derived from the Latin word "hiatus" meaning "opening" or "gap", and the Greek word "hernia" meaning "a rupture".
Definition
A Hiatal Hernia is a type of hernia in which the upper part of the stomach pushes through an opening in the diaphragm, and into the chest area. This opening is known as the esophageal hiatus.
Types
There are two main types of Hiatal Hernias: Sliding Hiatal Hernia and Paraesophageal Hiatal Hernia.
- 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. The esophagus and stomach stay in their normal locations, but part of the stomach squeezes through the hiatus, landing it next to the esophagus.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a Hiatal Hernia may include heartburn, acid reflux, difficulty swallowing, chest pain, and feeling full quickly after eating.
Causes
The exact cause of Hiatal Hernias is not known, but it may occur due to weakness of the muscle tissue, injury, or persistent and intense pressure on the surrounding muscles, such as coughing, vomiting, or straining during a bowel movement, or while lifting heavy objects.
Treatment
Treatment for Hiatal Hernia may include medication, lifestyle changes such as weight loss and diet modification, and in severe cases, surgery.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hiatal Hernia
- Wikipedia's article - Hiatal Hernia
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