Hiatal Hernias

Whenever an internal body part pushes through an opening and into an area where it does not belong, it is called a hernia. A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper portion of the stomach protrudes into the chest cavity through an opening of the diaphragm called the esophageal hiatus.

Ordinarily this opening is only large enough to accommodate the esophagus. When it becomes weakened and enlarged, however, the opening can allow passage of part of the stomach. In some cases, that portion of the stomach may even become entrapped.

The most common hiatal hernia symptoms are heartburn and GERD. A hiatal hernia occurs when portions on the stomach creap through the esophagael hiatus.

Two Types Of Hiatal Hernias

A sliding hiatal hernia occurs when the junction between the esophagus and the stomach slides through the esophageal hiatus when there is increased pressure in the stomach. When the pressure is relieved, gravity causes the stomach to slide back into place.

The fixed hiatal hernia, or paraesophageal­, occurs when the upper portion of the stomach becomes entrapped and thus does not slide back into position. This is less common than the sliding variety, and is more apt to be symptomatic.

Preventing Hiatal Hernias

A special diet for hiatal hernia may help control symptoms and delay or remove the possibility of surgery. Some people are predisposed to hiatal hernia due to congenital weakness or enlargement in the esophageal hiatus. Obesity and smoking have also been proven to increase the likelihood of hiatal hernia.