Digestive Disorders

Hiatal Hernia

What is a hiatal hernia?
Hernia is a protrusion of part of an organ through the wall of the cavity that contains it. A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach pushes up into the chest through a small opening in the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the stomach from the chest. A hiatal hernia may result in retention of acid and other contents above this opening. These acids and other substances can easily reflux into the esophagus.

Many people age 50 and over have small hiatal hernias, however, hiatal hernias may affect people of all ages.

What causes hiatal hernia?
Suggested causes of hiatal hernia include:

coughing
vomiting
straining
sudden physical exertion

Obesity and pregnancy also contribute to this disorder.

Treatment for hiatal hernia
Specific treatment will be determined by your physician(s) based on:

your age, overall health, and medical history
extent of the disease
your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
expectations for the course of the disease
your opinion or preference

Although hiatal hernias usually do not require treatment, treatment may be necessary if the hernia is:

in danger of becoming strangulated (twisted in a way that cuts off blood supply).
complicated by severe GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).
complicated by esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus).

Surgery may be needed in these cases to reduce the size of the hernia, or to prevent strangulation.

This page was last updated on: May 25, 2006.

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