What’s All the Talk About Hiatus Hernias?
Have you ever felt a burning in your chest after eating a big meal? It might be more than just upset stomach. You might have a hiatus hernia, a tricky problem that impacts almost half of people over 50. But don’t stress, it’s not as bad as it might seem!
A hiatus hernia happens when a piece of your stomach moves up into your chest through a hole in your diaphragm. It’s like your stomach wants to see what’s up there, but , it can lead to some unwanted effects.
The Anatomy of a Hernia
Let’s take a closer look at this, okay? Your diaphragm is a big skinny muscle sheet that divides your chest from your belly. It has a tiny hole called a hiatus that lets your food tube (esophagus) go through. At times, a piece of the stomach can push its way through this opening and bam – you end up with a hiatus hernia.
There are two main types:
Sliding hiatus hernia: This type occurs most often making up about 9 out of 10 cases. It resembles a game of peek-a-boo where the upper part of your stomach moves up and down through the hiatus.
Rolling hiatus hernia: This type happens less but causes more problems. It involves a different section of your stomach pushing up next to your esophagus. It’s as if your stomach wants to snuggle up to your food pipe!
Symptoms: When Your Stomach Speaks Up
Here’s the tricky part – many people with hiatus hernias don’t even know they have one! But for some unlucky folks, it can lead to gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). GORD is when stomach acid decides to take a day trip up your oesophagus, causing symptoms like:
- Heartburn (a burning sensation in your chest)
- A sour taste in your mouth (thanks to that wandering stomach acid)
- Difficulty swallowing
- Feeling full quickly or bloated
- Chest pain
- Coughing or wheezing
If you’re experiencing these symptoms frequently, it’s time to have a chat with your GP. They might want to take a closer look using some fancy techniques like a gastroscopy or a barium meal X-ray.
What Causes This Tummy Trouble?
The exact cause of hiatus hernias isn’t always clear. It’s a bit like trying to figure out who ate the last biscuit – sometimes there’s just no definitive answer. However, there are some factors that might increase your chances:
- Getting older (sorry, we can’t stop time!)
- Being overweight
- Pregnancy
- Anything that increases pressure in your abdomen, like chronic coughing or heavy lifting
Treating Your Troublesome Tummy
The good news is that not all hiatus hernias need treatment. If you’re not experiencing any symptoms, you might not need to do anything at all. But if GORD is making your life miserable, there are several options:
Lifestyle Changes: Small Steps, Big Impact
Sometimes, a few simple changes can make a world of difference:
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals
- Avoid lying down right after eating (no more midnight snacks!)
- Cut out foods that trigger your symptoms (goodbye, spicy curry?)
- Lose weight if you’re carrying extra pounds
- Quit smoking (your lungs will thank you too!)
Medications: A Little Help from Science
If lifestyle changes aren’t cutting it, your GP might recommend:
- Antacids: These neutralise stomach acid, providing quick relief
- Alginates: They create a protective coating in your oesophagus
- H2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs): These reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces
- Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs): The heavy hitters of acid reduction
Surgery: The Last Resort
If all else fails, surgery might be on the cards. The most common procedure is laparoscopic nissen fundoplication (LNF). It’s a mouthful to say, but it’s a minimally invasive surgery that puts your stomach back where it belongs and tightens the opening in your diaphragm.
Complications: When Things Go Pear-Shaped
Complications from hiatus hernias are rare, but they can be serious. Long-term damage to your oesophagus can lead to:
- Oesophageal ulcers
- Narrowing of the oesophagus (stricture)
- Barrett’s oesophagus (changes in the cells lining your oesophagus)
In very rare cases, a rolling hiatus hernia can become strangulated, cutting off blood supply to the stomach. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate surgery.
The Bottom Line
Living with a hiatus hernia doesn’t have to be a pain in the chest. With the right approach, most people can manage their symptoms effectively. Remember, your body is unique, so what works for one person might not work for another. Don’t be afraid to work with your GP to find the best solution for you.
So, the next time your stomach decides to go on an adventure up into your chest, you’ll know exactly what’s going on and what to do about it. Here’s to happy, healthy tummies everywhere!
Photo “Hiatus Hernia – Symptoms and Treatments” by Anthony Cunningham for Zoom Health
Zoom Health is a leading UK supplier of Home Health Tests and Earplugs
