The esophagus is the section that connects the stomach and the throat. This part of the body moves through the chest and pushes into the abdomen through a small gap in the diaphragm which is otherwise known as the esophagus hiatus. If you have a hiatal hernia, then the upper part of the stomach located below the diaphragm may push upwards through the hiatus to linger in the chest cavity.

Here, we’re going to look at everything about hiatal hernia treatments and causes, so you know not only how to avoid this condition whenever possible, but what can be done about it if you find that it does happen to you.

Understanding Hiatal Hernias:

The first thing you need to know when it comes to understanding everything about hiatal hernia treatments and causes, is that alone, a hiatal hernia doesn’t cause any symptoms, and the majority are found accidentally when someone has an abdominal or chest x-ray. You might also be able to notice the presence of a hiatal hernia when a CT scan is performed too.

Most of the time, if symptoms related to hiatal hernias do happen, they occur because of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, which is when the digestive juice which contains acid in the stomach moves through the esophagus.

The Causes of Hiatal Hernias:

It’s important to know what to be aware of when it comes to learning everything about hiatal hernia treatments and causes. In most circumstances, the space where the esophagus moves through the diaphragm will be sealed off by a thin tissue membrane. This means that the abdominal and chest cavities are typically separated from one another. However, because the muscles of the esophagus can begin to tighten around the esophagus with each swallow of food, the membrane needs to be flexible.

Over the time, the membrane separating your stomach and chest cavity can begin to weaken and break down, particularly if it’s put under a significant amount of pressure for long periods of time. This means that eventually, the stomach might begin to herniate through the membrane, and remain sitting above the diaphragm until surgery is used to move the stomach back into place.

Though hiatal hernias are often considered to be very common, it’s worth noting that the causes of this conditions aren’t always known. Sometimes they can happen without any obvious reason.

Treatment Options for Hiatal Hernia:

Of course, although you might never want to think about dealing with a hiatal hernia, it’s important to know which treatment options are available if this problem does occur. The treatments provided for a hiatal hernia generally include a treatment that’s designed to reduce acid reflux or GERD. This includes reducing the amount of acid secretion within the stomach, and avoiding any substances that might cause irritation within the lining of the stomach.

Thanks to the presence of things like proton pump medications, medical therapy means that there are fewer requirements for surgery regarding sliding hernias. Often, this option is only recommended for people who have been unable to achieve a successful rehabilitation following treatment with a range of medications or drugs. Surgery might also be offered to people who have begun to develop complications with things like GERD strictures, bleeding, and ulcers.