| A hiatal hernia occurs when there is an | | | | increase intrabdominal pressure. This |
| abnormality in the abdomen in which a portion | | | | increased pressure is thought to possibly |
| of the stomach protrudes through the | | | | contribute to the development of a hiatal |
| diaphragm and up into the chest cavity. | | | | hernia. Some folks who suffer from a hiatal |
| There are two primary types of hiatal | | | | hernia may not experience obvious symptoms. |
| hernias. The first type is known as the | | | | Most commonly one of the initial symptoms of |
| sliding hiatal hernia and is the most common | | | | a hiatal hernia are symptoms similar to GERD |
| type of hernias. In the sliding hernia, the | | | | otherwise known as gastroesophageal reflux |
| stomach and the section of the esophagus that | | | | disease. These symptoms of hiatal hernia |
| connects to the stomach push slide up into | | | | occur because the hernia interferes with |
| the chest wall and through the weakened | | | | proper functioning of the lower esophageal |
| opening. The second type of hiatal hernia is | | | | sphincter. When the sphincter works properly |
| less common and is known as a paraesophageal | | | | it keeps the stomach acid from refluxing |
| hernia. Although less common, it is more | | | | upwards into the esophagus. So you can get |
| serious than the sliding hiatal hernia. | | | | the picture, if it functions poorly the |
| With the paraesophageal hernia, the esophagus | | | | stomach acid pushes up and into the esophagus |
| and stomach stay tucked into their | | | | causing pain and irritation. Your physician |
| traditional but a portion of the stomach | | | | may choose to order either an x-ray or |
| manages to force its way through the hiatus | | | | endoscopy in order to definitively diagnose a |
| and move into position next to the esophagus. | | | | hiatal hernia. This abnormality in the |
| In this serious health condition you may | | | | esophagus must be properly diagnosed in order |
| exhibit no hiatal hernia symptoms but you | | | | to effectively treat the underlying issue. |
| could be experiencing a condition in which | | | | It is important to note that some hiatal |
| the blood supply to the stomach is literally | | | | hernias can be rather serious and can even |
| cut off. This could lead to complications | | | | require surgical intervention. So if you are |
| such as tissue death. This hiatal hernia | | | | experiencing symptoms of GERD which may |
| could require surgical repair if it is | | | | indicate a more serious hiatal hernia it is |
| serious enough. Hiatal hernias develop | | | | important that you see your healthcare |
| for reasons including injuries to the area | | | | provide in order to get a proper diagnosis. |
| and performing bodily actions, such as | | | | A hiatal hernia is not something that should |
| pregnancy, weight gain, or even straining | | | | be ignored, it is a serious matter and |
| during a bowel movement, all of which can | | | | requires treatment. |