hiatal hernia : Definition

Hiatal hernia is a condition in which a portion of the stomach protrudes upward into the chest through an opening in the diaphragm. The diaphragm is the sheet of muscle used in breathing that separates the chest from the abdomen.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top

The cause is unknown, but hiatal hernias may be the result of a weakening of the supporting tissue. Increasing age, obesity, and smoking are known risk factors in adults.

Children with this condition usually have it from birth (congenital). It is usually associated with gastroesophageal reflux in infants.

Hiatal hernias are very common, especially in people over 50 years old. This condition may cause regurgitation of gastric acid from the stomach into the esophagus.

Symptoms Return to top

Heartburn, worse when bending over or lying down
Swallowing difficulty
Chest pain
Belching
A hiatal hernia by itself rarely causes symptoms -- pain and discomfort are usually due to the reflux of gastric acid, air, or bile. This happens more easily in the presence of hiatal hernia.

Signs and tests Return to top

Barium swallow x-ray
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
Treatment Return to top

The goals of treatment are to relieve symptoms and prevent complications.

Reducing regurgitation of stomach contents into the esophagus (gastroesophageal reflux) will relieve pain symptoms. Medications that neutralize stomach acidity, decrease acid production, or strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter may be prescribed.

Other measures to reduce symptoms include:

Avoiding large or heavy meals
Not lying down or bending over immediately after a meal
Weight reduction and smoking cessation
Failure to control the symptoms by general or medical measures, or the onset of complications may require surgical repair of the hernia.

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