This is all you need to know about hiatal hernia

Listen to talk about hiatal hernia Maybe I draw a big question mark on your face, and although this condition is not so common in the world, millions of people are affected by such a complication every year.

But to put this explanation in context, you need to know that this disease manifests itself through an anomaly that occurs in the diaphragm, which is the muscular cavity that separates your stomach from the abdomen.

According to scientific studies, this condition affects 20% of the population. However, their symptoms are practically undetectable in many cases, which is why many doctors recommend periodic check-ups.

Hiatus hernia has two types, one called displacement hernia, which consists of the union of the gastroesophageal area with part of the stomach, while in the other, called paraesophageal hernia, the bottom of the stomach sticks to the thorax cavity.

To date, no age range has been ruled out to suffer from hiatal hernia, although some studies suggest that people 50 and older are more likely to suffer from the disease.

But how does the hiatus hernia occur in the body? There are several aspects that can influence its appearance.

Causes of hiatal hernia

Age: While no one could escape the hiatus hernia, older people are more vulnerable, this because as we age, the muscle that wraps around our diaphragm weakens and leaves our stomach closer to this disease.

Cough attacks: If you suffer from constant coughing fits, you may also be closer to suffering from hiatus hernia. Coughing is a great effort for the muscles of the diaphragm and our abdomen in general.

Do not go to the bathroom: When you suffer from constipation and go to the bathroom, you are supposed to make more effort when defecating. If we take into account that you are putting pressure on your abdominal cavity, your stomach will suffer the consequences and could move upwards.

Excess weight: The accumulation of fat in your abdomen puts pressure on that area, and therefore compromises other vital organs that are in that area of ​​your body.

Lifting heavy objects and stress: If you lift heavier weights than you have capacity, your abdomen will receive all that impact. Stress also causes negative effects on that part of the body.

Smoke: Scientists have explained in various studies the negative effects of tobacco on the health of human beings. The appearance of the hiatus hernia is another consequence of this bad practice.

Bad surgeries: If you have performed operations that have not gone so well in the abdominal area, you would be prone to suffer from hiatus hernia because they can weaken or contract the area of ​​the diaphragm.

The main symptoms of hiatal hernia

The symptoms of hiatus hernia do not always manage to be noticed. Despite this, there are some paintings that are manifested and that you can take into account.

Pain when swallowing: Due to the irritation of some walls of the esophagus, it may be difficult for you to swallow, either food or liquids. These discomforts can manifest themselves both in the lower area or in the area called "pharyngeal".

Chest pain: Pain and discomfort in the esophagus can also manifest in the rib cage and abdominal area. They are not strong punctures but they are constant and you must be alert to them. Many times they can be confused with the symptoms of a heart attack.

Presence of gases: If after each meal you feel like vomiting and you fill with gas, it is also one of the symptoms of the disease. Constant bad breath and bad taste in the mouth without some apparent reason are also some of the physical manifestations of the hiatus hernia.

Burning: Some stomach acids may irritate the walls of your esophagus. The digestive tract may release certain liquids from the mouth of the stomach and generate discomfort.

To treat hiatal hernia no further medical attention is needed, in fact the treatments are usually quite simple.

Some specialists indicate medications to treat stomach discomfort, also to strengthen the abdominal muscles, and if the case is very recurrent, it could be corrected with surgery. This article is published for informational purposes only. It can not and should not replace the consultation with a Physician. We advise you to consult your Trusted Doctor. ThemesGastrointestinal disorders

Hiatus hernia: signs, symptoms and treatment (March 2024)