A hiatal hernia is a condition in which the upper part of the stomach bulges through an opening in the diaphragm. The diaphragm is the muscle wall that separates the stomach from the chest. The diaphragm helps keep acid from coming up into the esophagus. When you have a hiatal hernia, it's easier for the acid to come up. The leaking of acid from the stomach into the esophagus is called gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). GERD may cause symptoms such as heartburn, problems swallowing, a dry cough and bad breath.
Hiatal hernias are common, especially in people over age 50. If you are symptoms of heatal hernias it is adviseable to reduce the portion of your food and also to take your food three hours before going to bed as this lessen reflux by allowing the acid in the stomach to decrease and the stomach to partially empty. Stop smoking and drinking alcohol. Hiatal hernia did not required treatment unless it is complication by Gerd.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
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