What is hiatal hernia?
A hiatal hernia is a condition that occurs when a portion of the stomach rises into the chest through an opening located in the diaphragm, the barrier that separates the chest from the abdomen.
When the stomach moves towards the thorax, the aforementioned separation loses its function and gastroesophageal reflux occurs, that is, the gastric contents return towards the esophagus and irritate it.
There are two types of hiatal hernia:
- Displacement hernia: this is the most frequent type, and occurs when both the upper area of the stomach and the gastroesophageal junction slip.
- Paraesophageal hernia: it occurs in very few cases, and in this case the upper part of the stomach is displaced towards the thorax, while the gastroesophageal junction remains in its normal position.
Prognosis of the disease
It is estimated that 20% of the population suffers from hiatal hernia. In fact, in many cases the hernia is small and has no symptoms, so that many patients do not know they have it.
In general, it is not a serious disease that generates a health alert, but in many cases its symptomatology can cause a lot of discomfort to the patient and influence his quality of life. Complications include esophagitis or Barrett’s esophagus, which occur in very few cases.
Habits such as a sedentary lifestyle, smoking or obesity can influence the intensity of symptoms.
Most patients with hiatal hernia are unaware of the disease because they have no symptoms.
Symptoms of hiatal hernia
Symptoms may include burning in the chest or throat, hoarseness, hoarseness, throat clearing, asthma or breathing problems. Symptomatology worsens after eating, during night rest or when flexing the trunk.
Medical tests for hiatal hernia
Initially the diagnosis of hiatal hernia is based on the patient’s symptoms, but phmetry may also be performed to measure the degree of acidity in the esophagus.
What are the causes of hiatal hernia?
There is currently no known direct cause of hiatal hernia, but there are several factors that can trigger this displacement, such as aging of the diaphragm muscle, obesity, smoking or constipation.
In the cases of children with hiatal hernia, it is suspected that it may be due to hereditary causes.
Can it be prevented?
The best prevention of hiatal hernia is to avoid its risk factors, as well as to take care of the diet by limiting the consumption of pepper, very hot or spicy foods, foods that cause gas or very fatty foods, as they slow down digestion and promote gastroesophageal reflux.
Treatments for hiatal hernia
The treatment of hiatal hernia depends on its severity, and sometimes does not require any therapy. In mild cases, the aim is to control the symptoms, which improve with dietary measures and postural changes, such as raising the head of the bed to sleep.
In more severe cases, hiatal hernia surgery may be chosen, which is usually performed with the minimally invasive laparoscopic fundoplication technique.
Which specialist treats it?
The specialist expert in the treatment of hiatal hernia is the general or digestive system surgeon.