This opening, known as the hiatus, is a muscle that separates the abdomen from the chest.
Youll also learn what complications can occur and get a sense of what to expect during recovery.
urbazon / Getty Images
What Causes Hiatal Hernias?
urbazon / Getty Images
While its not exactly clear what causes a hiatal hernia, there are several possible explanations.
This means many people who have hiatal hernias never experience signs and symptoms.
When symptoms do present, they may be very similar to symptoms ofgastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD).
GERD is a chronic digestive upset disorder.
These two disorders do not cause each other.
However, its common for the two conditions to be present together as they both concern the digestive system.
GERD symptoms include:
Chest pains can also signal a heart attack.
You should contact your healthcare provider about ongoing chest pains.
Get to the closest emergency room if youre experiencing chest pains for any reason.
Diagnosing a Hiatal Hernia
There are specific tests that can help your healthcare providerdiagnose a hiatal hernia.
Diagnostic tests for hiatal hernias include:
When Is a Hiatal Hernia a Medical Emergency?
In most cases, a hiatal hernia isnt a medical emergency.
Nonsurgical Treatment for Hiatal Hernia Symptoms
Most cases of hiatal hernia wont require treatment.
When symptoms are present, nonsurgical treatments include medications as well as lifestyle changes including diet modifications.
Medication
Medication for hiatal hernias is geared toward reducing symptoms of excessive stomach acid or acid reflux.
Over-the-counter (OTC) antacids are the most common option for acid reflux.
Taking H2-blockers like Pepcid AC or Zantac may also be recommended.
Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) are sometimes used to treat hiatal hernias.
Diet
Dietary changes can be particularly useful in helping manage or reduce symptoms of hiatal hernia.
There are severaltypes of surgeries for treating hiatal hernias.
Which surgery is most appropriate will depend on several factors including the stage or size of your hiatal hernia.
You may have reduced appetite and diarrhea for the first few days.
Complications of Hiatal Hernia
Complications associated with hiatal hernias are rare.
They may or may not have noticeable symptoms.
If symptoms are present, they are similar to acid reflux.
Treatment includes lifestyle modifications and/or surgery where necessary.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Hiatal hernia.
National Health Service.Hiatus hernia.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Heart attack symptoms.
