If you have a hiatus hernia it does not necessarily mean that the sphincter between the oesophagus and stomach does not work so well. It is just that having a hiatus hernia makes you more prone to having a poorly functioning sphincter and more prone to developing acid reflux symptoms.
However, people with a hiatus hernia who do get reflux, on average, tend to get more severe symptoms and problems associated with acid reflux.
This may be because with a hiatus hernia any acid that gets into the oesophagus is more likely to remain in contact with the lining of the oesophagus for longer compared with people without a hiatus hernia. See the separate leaflet called Acid Reflux and Oesophagitis Heartburn for more details.
A hiatus hernia may be diagnosed if you have tests for symptoms of reflux. A special X-ray test called a barium swallow is sometimes used to confirm the presence of a hiatus hernia. Endoscopy is increasingly being used for diagnosis. An endoscope is a thin, flexible telescope which is passed down the gullet oesophagus into the stomach. This allows a doctor or nurse to look inside.
A hiatus hernia may be seen. Occasionally other tests are needed. If you have no symptoms, in most cases you do not need any treatment. The hiatus hernia usually causes no harm. Occasionally, if you have a hernia which is at risk of complications, you may be offered surgery, even if you do not have any symptoms. If changing your lifestyle does not help, you may need medication. Medicines which reduce the action or production of stomach acid may help. The most effective medicines are proton pump inhibitors PPIs.
PPIs often used are omeprazole or lansoprazole. If these do not suit you, other pills such as ranitidine or antacids may be used. Recent studies have raised questions about whether long-term PPIs are linked to stomach cancer. More research is needed. The current advice is to take PPIs at the lowest dose and for the shortest period of time possible; some people find they can get by taking them occasionally rather than every day.
However, if other medicines do not help and your symptoms cause persistent problems, you should carry on with them for as long as required. Rarely, a hiatus hernia causes severe symptoms of reflux which are not helped so well with medication. Therefore, an operation is occasionally advised. It may also be advisable if you cannot tolerate the medication for some reason. During this operation the stomach is put back into the correct position and the weakened diaphragm muscle around the lower gullet oesophagus is tightened.
Those conditions include: chronic anemia; chronic pain; complications by gastroesophageal reflux disease; complications by esophagitis; danger of strangulation; inability to vomit; recurrent pneumonia or other infections. The following treatments are available for those with hiatal hernias.
Minimally invasive surgery can effectively diminish the size of a hernia, as well as reduce the opening in the diaphragm, thereby preventing strangulation. During this procedure, surgeons will insert a tiny video camera into your abdomen.
The purpose of this surgery is to restore the stomach into your abdomen and close down the hole in the diaphragm. Minimally invasive surgery is associated with a quicker recovery and faster return to function than traditional open repair. Your doctor will determine if you are a candidate for this approach. Your surgeons may also perform a fundoplication, which will help to prevent acid from rising through the stomach.
To discuss a potential hernia treatment or surgery, contact the Surgery Call Center at Updated visitor guidelines. Hiatal Hernias. This may cause the area to appear visually larger. The abdomen may feel hard or tight…. Here's what may be causing your pain and when to see your doctor. Acid reflux is one of the main symptoms of a hiatal hernia. You can lessen this symptom by eating foods that produce less acid. Hiatal surgeries can be done three different ways: open repairs, laparoscopic repairs, and endoluminal fundoplication.
Learn more. Epigastric pain often happens alongside other common symptoms of your digestion system. Here's what may be causing it and what you can do. A hernia occurs when an organ pushes through the muscle or tissue that holds it in place. Learn about hiatal hernia, treatment, diagnosis, pregnancy…. An EGD test examines the lining of your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Learn what the procedure involves and how to prepare for it.
Pulmonary actinomycosis is a rare bacterial lung infection. It is also known as thoracic actinomycosis. It isn't contagious. This condition mainly…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Hiatal Hernia. Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. What is a hiatal hernia? To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you.
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A hiatal hernia occurs when weakened muscle tissue allows your stomach to bulge up through your diaphragm. It's not always clear why this happens. But a hiatal hernia might be caused by:. Hiatal hernia care at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.
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