Hiatal Hernias
Hiatal hernias occur high up in the abdomen. Rather than a bit of fat, intestine, or bowel going through the abdominal wall, a hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach pops up through the diaphragm where the canal for the esophagus runs. This canal is called the “hiatus,” thus the term hiatal hernia.
For the most part, these cause few symptoms and are rarely treated when such is the case. However, the larger they get the worse the symptoms become. Imagine the end of your stomach where it’s attached to the esophagus pushing upwards and having a thick band of muscle being tightened around it. Most symptoms occur in relation to eating.
A hiatal hernia is not visible externally. When it isn’t causing symptoms, it’s only found because of diagnostic procedures that are seeking answers to a separate problem. The signs of a hiatal hernia are easily mistaken for common problems. However, the worse they get the less mistakable they become. Heartburn, or acid reflux, is a common sign—although obviously this can occur from a variety of other conditions too. Because the stomach is pushed out of it’s normal place, it makes it easier for stomach acid to back up into the esophagus. Excessive burping may also be an issue, not directly because of the hernia, but because air can also get backed up. You may also have difficulty swallowing food because of the excessive air or because the stomach is partially banded off.
Once the stomach muscles have been bunched up, it’s not as easy for blood to flow through the vessels in the area either. This makes that part of the stomach lining more susceptible to ulcers and other stomach lining issues. Combined with the potential for a damaged esophagus due to acid reflux, some gastrointestinal bleeding may result. Additionally, there may be some abdominal pain associated with hiatal hernias. In most cases, this is simply the discomfort of the stomach being trapped in the diaphragm/hiatus. Occasionally, it’s evidence that the hiatal hernia has strangulated, resulting in a medical emergency.
Did you know...
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- Need a quick cool down? Try drinking some hot liquid. It's true! As counterintuitive as it may seem, the heat from hot liquids will raise your body temperature. This will heat you up and cause you to sweat. The increased perspiration will wind up helping you feel cooler as it evaporates. Try it out!