What Causes a Hiatal Hernia? Most of the time, the cause is not known. A person may be born with a larger hiatal opening. Increased pressure in the abdomen such as from pregnancy, obesity, coughing, or straining during bowel movements may also play a role. Who Is at Risk for Hiatal Hernia? Hiatal hernias occur more often in women, people who are overweight, and people older than 50. How Is a Hiatal Hernia Diagnosed? A hiatal hernia can be diagnosed with a specialized X-ray (using a barium swallow) that allows a doctor to see the esophagus or with endoscopy. How Are Hiatal Hernias Treated? Most people do not experience any symptoms of their hiatal hernia so no treatment is necessary. However, the paraesophaeal hernia (when part of the stomach squeezes through the hiatus) can sometimes cause the stomach to be strangled, so surgery is sometimes recommended. Other symptoms that may occur along with the hernia such as chest pain should be properly evaluated. Symptoms of GERD, such as heartburn, should be treated. When Is Hiatal Hernia Surgery Necessary? If the hiatal hernia is in danger of becoming constricted or strangulated (so that the blood supply is cut off), surgery may be needed to reduce the hernia, meaning put it back where it belongs.
Posted on: Tue, 16 Jul 2013 16:43:08 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015