In any situation wherein an internal part of the body moves into a place where it does not belong, this problem is referred to as a hernia. The hiatus is an open section within the diaphragm, which is the muscular area that separates the cavity of the chest from the abdomen. In most circumstances, the esophagus moves through the hiatus and into the stomach, but in the case of a hiatal hernia, the stomach pushes up into the chest using the hiatus opening.
There are two main forms of hiatal hernias that any person can suffer from, and these are known as sliding hernias and paraesophageal hernias. Here, we'll look at each in more detail, as well as the symptoms of a hiatal hernia.
Sliding and Paraesophageal Hernias:
In the case of a sliding hernia, the section of the esophagus which connects the stomach, and the stomach itself slides up through the chest through the hiatus. This is the most common form of hiatal hernia. On the other hand, a paraesophageal hernia is far less common but it can represent a greater cause for concern. In this situation, the stomach and esophagus remain in their typical locations, but part of the stomach still squeezes into the hiatus, so that it is positioned beside the esophagus. Though you can suffer from this type of hernia without any pain or obvious signs the danger is that the blood supply to the stomach will be shut off or strangled.
The symptoms of a hiatal hernia are difficult to pinpoint, as many people with this condition do not suffer any symptoms at all. However, others may suffer from heartburn related to GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. Though there seems to be a link between these conditions, it is worth noting that one problem does not necessarily cause the other. Indeed, many people suffer from GERD without having the hernia, and others will have the hernia without having GERD.
People who experience heartburn and chest pain can sometimes confuse the condition with a heart attack, and this is why it is so crucial for individuals to get regular testing and proper diagnosis. Symptoms to generally watch out for surrounding hiatal hernias might include:
– Chest pain, heartburn, or a burning sensation
– Vomiting, nausea, or dry-heave retching
– Frequent burping
– The rapid appearance of significant amounts of saliva in the mouth known as waterbrash – a condition frequently stimulated by refluxing acid. Symptoms are often worse after meals, and in some cases they can be made worse when you are lying flat – and may be resolved by walking or standing up.
What Causes Hiatal Hernias?
Obviously, the symptoms of a hiatal hernia are difficult to pinpoint, so it's worth knowing who might be at risk. Hiatal hernias occur more frequently in people who are overweight, women, and people over the age of 50. The cause is not often known, and some people are simply born with a larger hiatal opening, or suffer from increased pressure in the abdomen from obesity, pregnancy, or coughing.