Hiatal Hernia
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
A hiatal hernia
is a condition that causes part of your stomach to bulge through the hiatus (small opening) in your diaphragm. The part of the stomach may move up and down, or it may get trapped above the diaphragm.
Common symptoms include the following:
The most common symptom is heartburn. This usually occurs after meals and spreads to your neck, jaw, or shoulder. You may have no signs or symptoms, or you may have any of the following:
- Abdominal pain, especially in the area just above your bellybutton
- Bitter or acid taste in your mouth
- Trouble swallowing
- Cough or hoarseness
- Chest pain or shortness of breath after you eat
- Burping or hiccups that happen often
- Feeling full quickly after you eat a small amount
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- You have severe chest pain and sudden trouble breathing.
Seek care immediately if:
- You have severe abdominal pain.
- You try to vomit but nothing comes out (retching).
- Your bowel movements are black or bloody.
- Your vomit looks like coffee grounds or has blood in it.
Call your doctor if:
- Your symptoms are getting worse.
- You are losing weight without trying.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Treatment for a hiatal hernia
depends on the type of hiatal hernia you have and on your symptoms. You may not need treatment. Any of the following may be used to treat the hernia or symptoms it causes:
- Medicines may be given to relieve heartburn symptoms. These medicines help to decrease or block stomach acid. You may also be given medicines that help to tighten the esophageal sphincter.
- Surgery may be done when medicines cannot control your symptoms, or other problems are present. Your healthcare provider may also suggest surgery depending on the type of hernia you have. A surgeon can put your stomach back into its normal location. The surgeon may make the hiatus (hole) smaller and anchor your stomach in your abdomen. Fundoplication is a surgery that wraps the upper part of the stomach around the esophageal sphincter to strengthen it.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
- omeprazole
- famotidine
- lansoprazole
- aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide/simethicone
- aluminum hydroxide/magnesium trisilicate
Manage your symptoms:
The following nutrition and lifestyle changes may be recommended to relieve symptoms of heartburn:
- Do not have food or liquid that make your symptoms worse. These may include spicy foods, fruit juices, alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, and mint.
- Eat several small meals during the day. Small meals give your stomach less food to digest.
- Do not lie down or bend forward after you eat. Do not eat meals 2 to 3 hours before bedtime. This decreases your risk for reflux.
- Maintain a healthy weight. If you not at a healthy weight, weight loss may help relieve your symptoms. Your healthcare provider will tell you what a healthy weight is for you. Your provider can help you create a safe weight loss plan, if needed.
- Sleep with your head and upper body elevated at least 6 inches. Use pillows or a foam wedge. You can also put 6-inch blocks under the head of your bed frame.
- Do not smoke. Smoking can increase your symptoms of heartburn.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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