Hiatal hernia

Hiatal Hernia: Understanding and Treatment

A hiatal hernia, also known as a hiatal hernia (anatomical term is hiatus esophageus), is a disorder involving the movement of the upper part of the stomach through the hiatal hiatus and into the chest cavity. This condition can cause a variety of symptoms and requires medical intervention for diagnosis and treatment.

The anatomical hiatus esophageus, or esophageal hiatus, is the opening in the diaphragm through which the esophagus passes from the chest cavity to the stomach. Normally, the esophagus passes through this opening and connects to the stomach. However, with a hiatal hernia, the upper part of the stomach moves upward and passes through the hiatal hiatus, which can lead to various problems.

One of the most common symptoms of a hiatal hernia is heartburn, which is a burning sensation in the chest, behind the breastbone, or in the stomach area. This symptom is caused by reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus. Other symptoms may include a feeling of heaviness or pressure in the chest, frequent or painful swallowing, vomiting, or regurgitation of food.

The causes of hiatal hernia can be varied. Weakening of the muscles and ligaments around the hiatus of the diaphragm can contribute to its occurrence. Risk factors include increased abdominal pressure such as pregnancy, obesity, heavy lifting, or difficulty breathing.

A number of medical tests may be required to diagnose a hiatal hernia. Your doctor may order a barium X-ray of your esophagus and stomach to visualize movement of the upper part of your stomach. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) can be used to evaluate the esophagus and determine the presence of inflammation or ulcers.

Treatment for hiatal hernia can be conservative or surgical, depending on the severity of symptoms and complications. In some cases, lifestyle changes such as changing your diet, avoiding certain foods, losing weight, and stopping smoking may help manage symptoms. In some cases, medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PNIs) may be needed to reduce the acidity of the stomach.

If conservative methods do not provide sufficient relief or if complications occur, your doctor may recommend surgery. A surgical procedure known as a fundoplication may be performed to strengthen the hiatus and prevent a hernia. During surgery, the upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the lower esophageal sphincter, which helps prevent acid reflux and reduce symptoms.

It is important to seek medical help if you suspect a hiatal hernia, especially if symptoms become more intense or frequent. Delayed treatment can lead to complications such as esophageal ulcers, bleeding or esophageal stenosis.

In conclusion, Hiatal hernia is a condition in which the upper part of the stomach moves through the hiatal hiatus of the diaphragm. It can cause unpleasant symptoms such as heartburn and chest tightness. Diagnosis includes various medical tests, and treatment can be conservative or surgical. If you experience symptoms of a hiatal hernia, consult your doctor for professional advice and appropriate treatment.

A hiatal hernia is the release of stomach contents into the chest cavity through the natural opening of the diaphragm - an epigastric hernia, because the hernial protrusion is located close to the upper parts of the chest in the epigastrium.

A hiatal hernia is a rather serious pathological condition that can occur if the abdominal system is constantly overstrained, as well as with irrational heavy lifting. In this case, significant damage to the muscle layer can occur, which leads to stretching of the fascia and ligaments.

There are three types of hiatus hernia - sliding, para