For such cases, there are several tests healthcare providers can use to confirm the diagnosis.
It will also discuss the differential diagnosis of hiatal hernias.
The metallic substance coats the esophagus and stomach, helping to isolate them in the imaging results.
© Verywell, 2018
Expect to be strapped to a table as you undergo the X-rays.
During the study, the table is tilted as you drink additional barium.
While the procedure is considered safe, it can cause constipation and, in rare cases,fecal impaction.
Get our printable guide for your next appointment to help you ask a healthcare provider the right questions.
CT Scan
A barium study is often enough to make a definitive diagnosis.
When it’s unable to do so, acomputed tomography (CT)scan may be ordered.
This may be necessary for people with previous abdominal surgery or obesity.
Theprocedurewill require you to stop eating or drinking four to eight hours before testing.
Before the procedure, you are given an intravenous sedative to help relax you.
A numbing spray for your throat may also be used.
Endoscopy can sometimes cause bloating, gas, cramping, and sore throat.
The procedure is performed by first anesthetizing a nostril with a numbing ointment.
A thin tube with sensors is fed through your nostril and down to your esophagus.
The digital monitor allows the technician to view and record changes in relative pressure as you swallow.
A manometry result can help your healthcare provider determine the appropriate course of treatment.
A sore throat and nose irritation are the most common side effects.
While a possible test for diagnosing hiatal hernia, it is not commonly used.
Self Diagnosis
Youll need a medical test to tell if you have a hiatal hernia.
Such studies might include X-rays, barium swallow tests, CT scans, or endoscopies.
Other tests include esophageal manometry and pH monitoring.
Once a hiatal hernia is diagnosed, it can be classified into one of four types.
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