Treatment:

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

Reducing the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus (gastroesophageal reflux) will relieve pain. Medications that neutralize stomach acidity, decrease acid production, or strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter (the muscle that prevents acid from backing up into the esphagus) may be prescribed.

Other measures to reduce symptoms include:

• Avoiding large or heavy meals
• Not lying down or bending over immediately after a meal
• Reducing weight and not smoking

If these measures failure to control the symptoms, or complications appear, surgical repair of the hernia may be necessary.

Expectations (prognosis):

Most symptoms are alleviated with treatment.

Complications:

• Pulmonary (lung) aspiration
• Slow bleeding and iron deficiency anemia (due to a large hernia)
• Strangulation (closing off) of the hernia

Calling your health care provider:

Call your provider if symptoms indicate you may have developed a hiatal hernia.

Call your provider if you have a hiatal hernia and symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment, or if new symptoms develop.