Hiatal Hernia

A hiatal hernia rarely has any noticeable symptoms. However, it can cause gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) where your stomach acid leaks into your oesophagus. GORD symptoms often worsen after a large meal, lying flat, or bending over including:

• Heartburn - a burning sensation in your chest, especially after eating or when lying down.
• Regurgitation - food or a sour liquid comes back up into your throat or mouth.
• Chest pain or discomfort - a dull ache or tightness, often mistaken for heart-related pain.
• Difficulty swallowing - acid movement irritates your oesophagus.
• Hoarseness - acid irritates your throat or vocal cords.
• Bloating and belching - feeling full particularly after meals.

The fastest way to alleviate symptoms caused by a hiatal hernia is to follow your doctor’s treatment recommendations. These may involve lifestyle adjustments, medical treatments or hiatal hernia surgery. Your doctor will assess your general health and anatomy, your symptoms, the location of your hiatal hernia and its risk of complications.

Lifestyle changes can include avoiding large meals and trigger foods (like caffeine, alcohol, spicy and fatty foods), staying upright after meals and elevating your head while sleeping to help prevent acid reflux, breathing exercises to strengthen your diaphragm, losing weight, and stopping smoking.

Over-the-counter medications can quickly relieve acid reflux and reduce stomach acid.

Surgery is the only way to cure a hiatal hernia. Surgical repair may be necessary if your hernia is severe and non-responsive to conservative treatment.

The best treatment for a hiatal hernia depends on the severity of your symptoms, the extent of your hernia, and individual health factors. Hiatal hernia treatments include lifestyle changes, medications and surgery. You should consult with your doctor for a personalised treatment plan with the best approach for your specific situation.

The hiatal hernia finger test involves placing your fingers on your upper abdomen below your breastbone and inhaling deeply. If you have a hernia, it supposedly restricts your diaphragm’s movement.

However, there is no research to support this diagnostic method and it is not used by healthcare professionals. If you think you may have a hiatal hernia you should see your doctor. They will consider your medical history, examine you, and typically arrange for one or more diagnostic tests like an endoscopy or barium swallow.

The more severe symptoms of a hiatal hernia generally happen if your hernia is large or when complications develop. These symptoms can vary widely but may include:

• Severe heartburn and acid reflux
• Chest pain
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Chronic coughing or hoarseness
• Shortness of breath
• Severe abdominal or chest pain with nausea - this can signal a twisted or strangulated hernia, where blood flow to part of the stomach is cut off. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment.

If you experience any of these severe symptoms, you must seek medical attention. Strangulated or obstructed hiatal hernias, although rare, can be life-threatening.

Drinking plain water can help manage heartburn symptoms, but it’s important to avoid large amounts as this may increase your stomach pressure.

If your hiatal hernia is acting up and causing symptoms of GORD such as heartburn or acid reflux, you’ll need to eat the right foods to help soothe irritation and reduce these symptoms.

The best food choices if you have a hiatal hernia are those that are non-acidic, minimally processed, and high in fibre.

You should try to eat non-citrus fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, low-fat dairy, healthy fats, and whole grains. It’s best to avoid onions and garlic, citrus fruits, tomatoes and tomato-based foods, spicy foods, fried and fatty foods, sugary foods including chocolate, and mint. Also avoid alcohol, coffee, caffeinated teas and carbonated drinks.

Several conditions have similar symptoms to, and are mistaken for, a hiatal. These can include Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD), indigestion, gastritis, angina or heart disease, biliary colic, ulcers, muscle injury, lipomas, and gynaecological problems.

As there are many conditions that share overlapping symptoms, it is important that you see your doctor for a medical evaluation. They may request diagnostic investigations such as an endoscopy, barium swallow studies, or imaging tests to help distinguish a hiatal hernia from other conditions.

Yes, bananas can be beneficial for people with a hiatal hernia. This is because they are low in acid and gentle on your digestive system.

If you have a hernia, you should avoid certain drinks that can irritate it or make your symptoms worse. These include:

• Alcohol
• Caffeinated drinks
• Carbonated drinks
• Acidic drinks – including cranberry, citrus and tomato juices.

Yes, omeprazole can be good for managing symptoms associated with a hiatal hernia, particularly if you have acid reflux. It is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that reduces the amount of acid your stomach produces which can help alleviate your hiatal hernia symptoms.

An inflamed hiatal hernia can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including:

• Heartburn - a burning sensation in your chest or upper abdomen, especially after eating or lying down.
• Chest or stomach pain - a dull or sharp discomfort in your chest.
• Difficulty swallowing – a feeling that food is getting stuck or difficulty swallowing due to irritation of your oesophagus.
• Acid reflux - regurgitation of stomach acid or a sour taste in your mouth.
• Shortness of breath – caused by pressure from your hernia pushing on your diaphragm.
• Bloating or belching.

If these symptoms persist or worsen, you should consult your doctor.

Yes, there are warning signs that a hernia is getting worse. These include:

• Sudden or severe pain /li>
• Inability to push your hernia back in /li>
• Difficulty having a bowel movement or passing urine /li>
• Bulge swelling or discoloration becoming red or purple/li>
• Nausea, vomiting, or both.

If you have a hernia and experience any of these symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention. A strangulated hernia can be life-threatening if it isn't treated.