Hiatal Hernia

The first thing we need is a basic understanding of Hiatal Hernias. I hope to give you an explanation as well as a personal glimpse into what it is like to have it. As I said on the index page I will not be giving credit here as that would be impossible. I have collected this information from various sources, source types, and from personal experience as well.

DEFINITION
Hiatal Hernia is a condition in which a portion of the stomach protrudes upward into the chest through an opening in the diaphragm.

ETIOLOGY
The cause is unknown but may be the result of a weakening of the supporting tissue. Hiatal hernias are very common, especially in people over 50 years old. Age, obesity and smoking may be risk factors in adults.

SYMPTOMS

Heartburn
Swallowing difficulty
Chest pain
Belching

TREATMENT
Treatment is aimed toward reducing gastroesophageal reflux [regurgitation of stomach contents into the esophagus] by relieving symptoms and preventing complications. Medications that neutralize stomach acidity, decrease acid production, or that strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter, may be prescribed.

Other measures that can help reduce symptoms include:

avoiding large or heavy meals
never lying down or bending over immediately after a meal
weight reduction and smoking cessation

Sometimes it may be necessary to surgically repair the hernia.

MY POINT of VIEW
This is a brand new diagnosis for me so I don't have much of a point of view here except to say that the symptoms are pretty much right on for me but seemed to be controlled with OTC Zantac 150mg.

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You are listening to Memories from the musical Cats, written by
Andrew Lloyd Webber and T.S. Eliot. I felt this song was a perfect selection
for this site because of the affiliation I feel with Grizabella. Although for her,
it was age and not health issues that changed her, neither of us are who we
were before, on the outside, and it can affect how we feel on the inside.

Disclaimer:
The author of this page does not promote, support, or recommend any
particular treatment or medication for any medical condition. The opinions
expressed in stories or links are the responsibility of their authors.
No treatment should be undertaken without the supervision of a physician.