How To Suspect Hiatal Hernia?

In general, hernia can occur in your body when any part in the body protrudes through the gap or opening into other part.

Hiatal hernia can be formed at the opening of your diaphragm where the esophagus, commonly known as food pipe, joins your stomach.

Most of the small hiatal hernias do not cause any harm and you can never know that you have a hernia, until your doctor determines it while checking for other health conditions.

But on the other side, if the hiatal hernia is larger, then it can result in chest pain and heartburn by allowing the acids and food back to your esophagus. Some times, these large hernias needs surgical repair.

What can be the source for this kind of protrusion?

The main reason behind hiatal hernia is still unknown. Some of you can develop this protrusion after sustaining an injury in that particular area of your body and others are born with a large hiatus or it can also be developed due to weakness.

Some of the experts suspect that this kind of hernia can be developed due to increased pressure in the abdomen from coughing, pregnancy and delivery or it can be due to substantial weight gain.

Different ways to suspect hiatal hernia:

Small hernia do not cause any harm and it will be difficult for you to identify. Large hiatal hernia can show certain signs and symptoms, some of these include:

  • If the hiatus is severe, then it can lead to chest pain
  • Difficulty in swallowing food
  • Heartburn
  • Sometimes this hiatal hernia can cause abdominal pain, where your stomach becomes trapped above the diaphragm through the tapered esophageal hiatus.
  • Very rarely, a fixed hiatal hernia can stop the blood flow in the tapered portion of the stomach.

Care to take when you have hiatal hernia:

  • Take small meals as large meals can expand your stomach, pushing it to your chest.
  • Avoid exercising immediately after having meals.
  • Quit smoking, if you are confirmed with hiatal hernia, as smoking can dry the saliva, which is very essential to protect your esophagus from stomach acid.

When ever you notice worst signs of hernia, try to consult your health care provider immediately to avoid complications.