A hiatal hernia is a protrusion of the stomach or other organs through the esophageal hiatus, an opening in the diaphragm that allows the esophagus to pass from the chest to the abdomen. This condition is very common, especially as people age and causes uncomfortable symptoms related to acid reflux.
If you or a loved one has a hiatal hernia, you can rely on our team of specialists at Northeast Georgia Physicians Group (NGPG) Heartburn & Swallowing for expert diagnosis and care.
What are the symptoms of a hiatal hernia?
Unlike other hernias, hiatal hernias don’t always visually protrude. The most common symptoms of hiatal hernias are related to acid reflux. These symptoms include:
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Trouble swallowing
- Chest pain
- Acidic regurgitation
- Shortness of breath
- Pain in the chest or abdomen
Not everyone that has a hiatal hernia will have acid reflux, but they are commonly experienced together.
What causes a hiatal hernia?
Like other hernias, a hiatal hernia is caused by tissue pushing through weak spots in the body. In the case of hiatal hernias, this weak spot is already open; it’s known as the esophageal hiatus. This space allows the esophagus to pass through the diagram, but can be the location of hiatal hernias when exposed to frequent forces such as:
- Coughing and sneezing
- Straining due to constipation
- Vomiting frequently
- Certain intense exercises
Who’s at risk for a hiatal hernia?
While anyone can develop a hiatal hernia, some are at a higher risk than others. Some of the risk factors for developing a hiatal hernia include:
- Aging
- Being female
- Previous injury
- Pregnancy
- Physically demanding occupations
- Family history or hiatal hernia
How is a hiatal hernia diagnosed?
Hiatal hernias are diagnosed through the examination of your stomach and esophagus and additional testing. Some tests that we run through our Heartburn & Swallowing Centers to help diagnose a hiatal hernia include:
- Upper endoscopy: During an upper endoscopy, a small scope is inserted into the patient’s mouth and down the esophagus, enabling the physician to obtain biopsies, perform procedures and diagnose issues.
- Barium swallow test: A barium swallow test is an x-ray of the esophagus and stomach. Other abnormalities can be seen in barium studies as well, including hiatal hernias.
- Esophageal manometry: An esophageal manometry allows your provider to see if the esophageal muscles are squeezing properly and whether the valve mechanism is functioning.
How is a hiatal hernia treated?
For minor acid reflux symptoms of hiatal hernias, you can take over-the-counter antiacids or may be prescribed stronger medication if needed. At NGPG Heartburn & Swallowing, we offer a variety of treatment options that depend on how large your hiatal hernia is and what other symptoms you present.
As a comprehensive practice, we perform diagnostics and surgical procedures in house, enabling Dr. Casey Graybeal to handle your disorder from start to finish, improving care and outcomes. Surgical treatments that NGPG Heartburn & Swallowing offers for hiatal hernia include:
- For patients with GERD, hiatal hernias can be repaired during laparoscopic GERD surgery.
- Laparoscopic or robotic hernia repair.
Some hiatal hernias are so large that they threaten the stomach with twisting and strangulation. Special techniques for reinforcing the repaired diaphragm make the repair stronger and recurrence of the hernia less likely.
Choose NGPG for Hiatal Hernia Surgery and Treatment
If you or a loved one have been experiencing acid reflux that you suspect are caused by a hiatal hernia, you can trust our specialists at NGPG Heartburn & Swallowing to provide you with high quality diagnosis and care.
NGPG’s Heartburn & Swallowing specialists have expertise diagnosing and treating disorders of the esophagus, including hiatal hernia. If you have been diagnosed with a hiatal hernia or you are experiencing symptoms, contact us today.