Problem stomach
Hiatal hernia is a condition in which the upper part of the stomach bulges through an opening in the diaphragm known as the hiatus and into the chest cavity. The diaphragm is a muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen and helps with breathing. A hiatal hernia can occur in different forms, such as a sliding hiatal hernia, in which the stomach and esophagus slide up and down through the hiatus, or a paraesophageal hiatal hernia, in which the stomach bulges into the chest next to the esophagus.
Symptoms of a hiatal hernia include heartburn, acid reflux, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and regurgitation of food. These symptoms can be caused by stomach acid backing up into the esophagus, which can cause inflammation and irritation of the esophagus.
A hiatal hernia can be treated with a combination of lifestyle changes and medication. Lifestyle changes include losing weight by following healthy diets, avoiding foods that trigger symptoms, malnutrition, or going to bed within three hours of bedtime. Medications such as antacids, H-2 blockers, inhibitors, and others can help reduce acid production and relieve symptoms.
In some cases, a hiatal hernia may require surgery. Surgery is usually recommended in patients who have severe symptoms that do not respond to lifestyle changes and medications, or in patients who have complications such as bleeding or esophageal obstruction. Hiatal hernia surgery is known as Nissen fundoplication, which involves wrapping the upper part of the stomach around the lower esophagus to create a new valve to prevent acid reflux.
Who is a suitable candidate for surgery? Surgery may be recommended for people who have symptoms that do not respond to lifestyle changes and medications. Also, people who have complications such as bleeding or esophageal obstruction, or those who have a large hiatal hernia may be good candidates for surgery.
It is important to note that not all hiatal hernias require surgery. Many people with a hiatal hernia can manage their symptoms through lifestyle changes and medication. Your doctor will be able to provide you with more information about the best course of treatment for you based on the type and severity of your hiatal hernia after performing a thorough examination.
In conclusion, a hiatal hernia is a condition in which the upper part of the stomach bulges through an opening in the diaphragm into the chest cavity. Symptoms of a hiatal hernia include heartburn, acid reflux, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and regurgitation of food. A hiatal hernia can be treated with lifestyle changes and medication, and in some cases, surgery may be necessary. Surgery is usually recommended in patients who have severe symptoms that do not respond to lifestyle changes and medications, or in patients who have complications such as bleeding or esophageal obstruction. Your doctor will be able to provide you with more information about the best course of treatment for you.
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