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 The most common symptoms of hiatal hernia are heartburn and/or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). It should be noted that many patients are diagnosed with GERD, but do not have a hernia, while others have a hiatal hernia but do not suffer with GERD.
Chest pains can also be symptomatic of hiatal hernia. The pains can be severe, and may be mistaken for a heart attack. Obviously, if such pains occur, one should consult with a physician right away. Getting to a doctor is essential to getting proper care in time.
In most patients, hiatus hernias cause no symptoms. Sometimes patients experience heartburn and regurgitation, when stomach acid refluxes back into the esophagus.
The following are possible causes or contributing factors for having a hiatus hernia: - Obesity
- Frequent coughing
- Straining with constipation
- Frequent bending over or heavy lifting
- Heredity
- Smoking
- Stress
- Use of the sitting position for defecation
Hiatal Hernia Treatment Most people do not have symptoms and no treatment is needed. If symptoms do occur, initial treatment may include medication to control acid reflux (GERD), and a change in diet. Weight loss is often recommended as a means of reducing the pressure on the hernia.
There are many natural cures for hiatal hernia available on the market and I would recommend that your thoroughly weigh your options. Many products may offer relief while claiming a cure, only a doctor would know if a product is viable or not.
Stop Acid Reflux/GERD
If hiatal hernia symptoms are chronic and do not respond to diet and medication, surgery may become necessary. If the hernia is in danger of becoming restricted or strangulated, surgery becomes the likely treatment. Today, most surgeons elect to perform laparoscopic surgery, because it is minimally invasive and recovery time is reduced.
If a patient who has been diagnosed with hiatal hernia becomes nauseous, experiences severe chest pains, is vomiting, or is unable to have a bowel movement, it should be treated as a medical emergency. Consult with a physician immediately.
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