GERD And Hiatal Hernia Link REVEALED
A
hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the
stomach pushes through an opening between the
lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and the
diaphragm, up into the chest. The hiatus is an
opening in the diaphragm which is the muscular
wall separating the chest cavity form the abdomen.
Normally, the esophagus passes through the hiatus
and attaches to the stomach. In hiatal hernia, the
stomach bulges up into the chest through that
opening.
There are two main types of hiatal
hernias-sliding and paraesophageal. In a sliding
hiatal hernia, the stomach and a section of the
esophagus slide up into the chest through the
hiatus. This is the more common type of hernia.
The paraesophageal hernia is less common but more
dangerous. The esophagus and the stomach are in
their normal positions but part of the stomach
squeezes through the hiatus and lands next to the
esophagus. There is a risk of the stomach getting
"strangulated" or having its blood supply cut
off.
Often
people with hiatal hernia also have
GERD.
The
way the hiatal hernia contributes to GERD is not
clear. Two theories have been put
forth.
1)
When hiatal hernia is present, the LES slides up
into the chest while the diaphragm remains in its
normal position. The diaphragm and the LES rely on
each other to keep the stomach contents from
backing up into the esophagus. With a hiatal
hernia, the ability of the diaphragm to help the
sphincter is seriously hampered.
2)
A valve-like tissue at the junction of the
esophagus and stomach just below the sphincter
normally prevents reflux. The esophagus enters the
stomach tangentially so that there is a sharp
angle between the esophagus and the stomach. The
thin piece of tissue in this angle forms a valve
that can close off the opening to the esophagus
when the pressure increases in the stomach.
When
the gastro-esophageal junction and stomach are
pulled up into the chest with each swallow, the
sharp angle where the esophagus joins the stomach
becomes less sharp and the valve-like effect is
lost.
Both
these changes promote reflux of acid and
GERD.
A
hiatal hernia by itself rarely causes symptoms.
Those who do experience symptoms, the pain and
discomfort are due to the reflux of stomach acid
and bile into the esophagus. The symptoms could
include heartburn, regurgitation, and vomiting,
sour or bitter taste in the mouth, frequent
belching, and hiccups.
Symptom
may be relieved by making simple lifestyle
changes.
·
Eat
smaller, more frequent meals.
·
Avoid
foods, caffeinated and alcoholic beverages that
may cause acid reflux symptoms.
·
Do
not eat within three hours before going to bed.
·
Elevate
the head of your bed 4 to 8 inches with the help
of bricks or blocks or use a wedge pillow.
·
Avoid
tight clothing around the stomach and waist.
·
Do
not bend or stoop after meals.
·
Avoid
constipation.
·
Avoid
lifting heavy things.
·
Lose
weight.
·
Stop
smoking.
All
these changes can significantly improve the
medical condition of GERD and hiatal hernia
sufferers, but cannot cure the disease. A holistic
approach which involves the physical, mental, as
well as the emotional aspects of the body is the
only way to treat both GERD and hiatal hernia.
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