Hiatal / Paraesophageal Hernia

If the upper portion of the stomach begins to protrude into the chest cavity via an opening in the diaphragm, it is known as a hiatal hernia. It’s a fairly common condition; approximately 60% of people have a hiatal hernia to one degree or another by the time they turn 60.

A hiatal hernia can take two different forms. It can be a sliding type, where the junction at the stomach and esophagus slides up through the opening for the esophagus in the diaphragm. This occurs when abdominal cavity pressure increases. It is a temporary condition, and eventually the stomach returns to its original position. The other kind of hiatal hernia is known as a paraesophageal hernia. The stomach doesn’t slide and becomes stuck in the chest cavity.

Hiatal hernias can be caused by many factors, including obesity, poor posture, constipation, heavy lifting, heredity and smoking.

If you have a hiatal hernia, you may not even know it, as symptoms aren’t always present. If you have symptoms, they may be chest pain, heartburn, a hard time swallowing, belching, hiccups, coughing or pain in the upper abdominal area.

If you have any of these symptoms, you’ll want to schedule a visit with your doctor. During your appointment, your doctor will take a medical history and then perform a thorough medical exam that may include an EKG, X-rays of the chest area, blood tests and cardiovascular tests to rule out any heart issues. Follow up tests will confirm the presence of a hiatal hernia, including a Barium swallow and/or endosocopy.

If you're interested in learning more about hiatal hernia surgery and treatment options, please make an appointment today.