Hiatal Hernia- Types, Causes, and Treatment

In simple terms, the hernia is caused when an internal body part forces another part. It can take place in multiple parts of the body like stomach, abdomen, intestine, inguinal canal, etc. The one caused in the stomach area is known as a hiatal hernia.  

The opening of our diaphragm is known as hiatus. It is a muscular wall which separates the chest cavity from the abdomen while esophagus goes through it and connects to the stomach. When stomach bulges up into the chest through hiatus, a hiatal hernia is said to happen.

There are two types of a hiatal hernia: 

• Sliding Hiatal Hernia- It is the most common type if a hernia wherein the stomach and the esophagus end slides up into the chest through the hiatus.

• Paraesophageal Hernia- Though it is less common, it is a disease of concern. It causes the stomach to squeeze through the hiatus and land next to the esophagus. Initially, this disease won't show any symptoms, however, later on, it can block the blood supply to the stomach.

What are the Causes of a Hiatal Hernia? 

In many cases, the cause of this disease is not known. A person may have a congenital disability of large hiatal opening, and if not, then lifestyle changes like obesity, coughing, pregnancy or straining during bowel movements can bring the disease into effects. 

Who Can Suffer from Hiatal Hernia? 

It often occurs in women or in people who are overweight. After 50 years of age, one can expect the happening of this abnormality. 

How is Hiatal Hernia Diagnosed? 

The diagnosis of a hernia involves observation of esophagus and stomach. X-ray (using a barium swallow) or endoscopy can give a clear picture of the internal happening with the esophagus. 

What is the Treatment for a Hiatal Hernia? 

People do not get to suffer symptoms of a hiatal hernia. However, a paraesophageal hernia can be doubted if the stomach strangles and in this case depending on the intensity of displacement a surgery may be required. It will restore the location of stomach or esophagus whichever has got dislocated. Other symptoms (which can be an indication of some other disease as well) like chest pain or heartburn are also observed when a patient suffers from a hernia. The surgery is often a laparoscopic or minimally invasive procedure.  

Hernia Specialist in San Antonio 

If you want o to undergo hernia surgery in San Antonio, then consider consulting none less than the specialists of Digestive & Liver Disease Center of San Antonio PLCC. They use most advanced diagnostic methods to cure diseases associated with the digestive system and teach their patients through narrated videos and printed brochures.