Hiatal Hernia
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 2, 2024.
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.
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DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
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.
Medicines:
- 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.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
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:
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- 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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