Hiatal hernia is the prolapse of the upper part of the stomach towards the esophagus through the opening (hiatus) in the diaphragm muscle that separates the chest and abdominal cavity.
Hiatal Hernia Symptoms
- Burning and sourness that spreads from the stomach up to the chest.
- Bitter-sour water or food coming into the mouth.
- Hoarseness. Untreatable throat infections
- Erosion on teeth
- Feeling of fullness in the throat
- Frequent need to clear the throat Hoarseness of voice
- Polyp or nodule on the vocal cords
- Chronic cough Asthma that does not respond well to treatment
- recurring pneumonia
- Sleep disordered breathing
Diagnosis
Generally, the diagnosis is made incidentally, during an examination for another reason. In fact, the cause of hernia complaints is mostly reflux. The patient experiences reflux symptoms.
Treatment
There is no medicine that completely reverses hiatal hernia. When an incidental hernia that does not cause any symptoms is found in middle age, we only give simple advice to the patient. These are the recommendations we give for reflux. They need to stay away from certain foods. We ban chocolate, butter, coffee and highly acidic foods. They should definitely not smoke. Because smoking has a direct effect on gastric emptying and acid secretion.
Another recommendation we give to patients is to keep their upper body elevated while sleeping at night. To do this, they need to put a riser under either the mattress of the bed or the top of the bed. It is recommended to lie down with your back upright at a 45 degree incline. If necessary, surgery is recommended after further examinations.
