A hiatal hernia takes place when the upper parts of the stomach bulge through the larger muscles that separate the chest and abdomen. The diaphragm comes with a small opening called hiatus. The food tube passes through the hiatus before linking with the stomach. Hiatal hernias have several symptoms and signs that can be easily identified. Here are the symptoms you should look out for. A hiatal hernia can create in individuals of any age and the two genders, despite the fact that it regularly happens in individuals age 50 and more established.
In the case of a Hiatal hernia disorder, the stomach starts pushing up through the opening and in the chest. Smaller Hiatal hernias typically do not lead to any problems. Patients usually remain unaware of the condition unless the doctor finds it while checking for any other condition. Read on to know more about hiatal hernia symptoms and other facts.
Most important symptoms of a hernia
In most cases, there are no symptoms or signs of small Hiatal hernias. However, the large Hiatal hernias might lead to:
- Heartburn
- Difficulty swallowing
- Regurgitation of liquids or food in the mouth
- Abdominal or chest pain
- Backflow of stomach acids in the esophagus (commonly called acid reflux)
- Burping
- Bloating
- Bad taste in the mouth
- Vomiting and an upset stomach
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling too full right after eating
- Passing of dark-colored stools or vomiting of blood, which might be a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding
You need to know about hiatal hernia symptoms to see a doctor at the right time. In case you have consistent symptoms or signs that are worrying to you. Additionally, you need to seek medical care immediately in case you have a Hiatal hernia and experience:
- vomiting
- can’t pass gas or stools frequent stomach upsets
- severe pain in the belly or chest
These can be signs of an obstruction or a strangulated hernia, which are both medical emergencies. Remain alert to the signs of hiatal hernia if you are a woman, overweight, and older than 50 years of age.
Treatment for hiatal hernia
Most people do not even note the symptoms of the disease and do not need treatment. If acid reflux is the major problem, the doctor may prescribe medications for treating such symptoms. As such, your doctor might suggest you take:
- antacids for weakening the stomach acid
- prokinetics to make sure that the stomach acid does not back up in the esophagus
- H2 receptor blockers prevent the stomach from producing excess acid
The doctor might ask you to go for surgery for a severe paraesophageal hernia. Surgery is required in case the sliding hernias get inflamed, strangulated, large, or start bleeding. In surgeries, the doctors reinforce the hiatus and move the stomach. Additionally, Hiatal hernias need the patient to embrace several lifestyle changes as suggested by the doctor.
The bottom line
Hiatal hernias might not even trouble the patient for a lifetime in a lot of cases. However, some may experience severe symptoms. In such cases, make sure to book an appointment with a specialist if you notice any signs and symptoms of hiatal hernia.
