If you are having these symptoms
- Retrosternal burning pain
- Regurgitation of food or liquids into the mouth
- Acid Reflux (Backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus)
- Dysphagia ( Difficulty in swallowing)
- Chest and/or abdominal pain
- Easy satiety (Feeling full soon after eating)
- Breathlessness
- Nausea/vomiting with eructation’s
- Bitter taste in the mouth
- Bloating of abdomen
- Sore throat/hoarseness of voice
Then, This can be because of HIATUS HERNIA
WHAT IS HIATUS HERNIA? –
Bulging of the upper part of the stomach into the thorax through Diaphragm (Muscle separating Chest and Abdomen)
CAUSES OF HIATUS HERNIA–
- Lax LES (Lower esophageal sphincter)
- A rise in pressure in the abdomen resulting from Pregnancy/obesity/coughing/lifting heavy weights/constipation
- Congenital large Hiatal opening
RISK FACTORS CONTRIBUTING HIATUS HERNIAS-
- Occurs more often in Women
- Obesity
- Old age (>50 years)
- Unhealthy lifestyles- Overeating, lack of physical activity
- Alcohol/smoking
DIAGNOSIS– Hiatus hernia can be diagnosed by
- Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (UGI Scopy)–A procedure in which an endoscope (A flexible tube with a camera) is inserted through the mouth to examine the upper gastrointestinal tract – Esophagus, Stomach, and Initial part of the intestine (Duodenum) under sedation.
- Esophageal Manometry–A procedure in which a tube is inserted through the nose into the esophagus to test esophageal motility (muscle movement).
COMPLICATIONS OF HIATUS HERNIA –
- Chronic acid reflux
- Esophagitis- Inflammation of the esophageal lining, leading to pain, dysphagia, ulcers, and bleeding.
- Esophageal stricture- Scaring of the esophagus leading to narrowing of the food pipe.
- Barrett’s esophagus- Pre-cancerous stage of the esophagus
- Rarely it may lead to gastrointestinal obstruction and gastritis.
TREATMENT –
Medical management and lifestyle changes are usually preferred in the initial stages of Hiatus hernia.
Approximately 90 to 95% of patients respond to medical treatment and lifestyle modifications
Medical treatment and Lifestyle modifications-
- Eat small frequent meals avoiding high fat content food.
- No fasting more than 4 hours
- Do not lie down for 2-3 hours after you eat.
- Adjust sleeping position- Elevating your head at night.
- Weight management and aim for a BMI that’s healthy for you.
- Quit alcohol and smoking.
Surgical Treatment for Hiatus Hernia –
Surgery for Hiatus Hernia is called- Fundoplication
Fundoplication is usually done with the Laparoscopic technique which has the following benefits-
- Minimal pain and minimal hospital stay
- Early recovery and return to work
- Minimal chances of infection and scars
Hence, do not neglect recurrent Gas and acidity. When in doubt, reach out to a specialist. Doctors are always here to help you.
Author :- Dr. Atul Shah
MEDICAL DIRECTOR
Senior Laparoscopic & GI Surgeon
Kaizen Hospital
