Hiatal hernia and upper back pain. Hiatal Hernia and Back Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Can a hiatal hernia cause upper back pain. How is a hiatal hernia diagnosed. What are the treatment options for hiatal hernia-related back pain. Are there any home remedies for managing hiatal hernia symptoms. When should you seek medical attention for a suspected hiatal hernia.
Understanding Hiatal Hernias: Types and Symptoms
A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. While not all hiatal hernias cause symptoms, some individuals may experience discomfort, including upper back pain. There are two main types of hiatal hernias:
- Sliding hiatal hernia: The most common type, where the stomach and esophagus slide up into the chest through the hiatus.
- Paraesophageal hiatal hernia: A less common but potentially more serious type, where a portion of the stomach pushes up next to the esophagus.
Common symptoms of a hiatal hernia include:
- Heartburn
- Regurgitation of food or liquids
- Difficulty swallowing
- Chest or upper abdominal pain
- Shortness of breath
- Upper back pain (in some cases)
The Connection Between Hiatal Hernias and Back Pain
While not all hiatal hernias cause back pain, some individuals may experience discomfort in the upper back region. This pain can be attributed to several factors:
- Pressure on surrounding structures: As the stomach pushes through the diaphragm, it can put pressure on nearby organs and tissues, potentially leading to referred pain in the upper back.
- Nerve irritation: The hiatal hernia may irritate nerves in the area, causing pain that radiates to the back.
- Postural changes: Some individuals with hiatal hernias may unconsciously adjust their posture to alleviate discomfort, which can lead to muscle strain and back pain.
- Acid reflux: Hiatal hernias often contribute to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can cause chest and back pain.
Diagnosing Hiatal Hernias and Related Back Pain
Diagnosing a hiatal hernia and determining its relationship to back pain typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. Some common diagnostic procedures include:
- Barium swallow test: This imaging test involves drinking a contrast solution and taking X-rays to visualize the upper digestive tract.
- Endoscopy: A flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the mouth to examine the esophagus and stomach.
- CT scan or MRI: These imaging techniques can provide detailed images of the chest and abdominal area.
- Manometry: This test measures the pressure within the esophagus to assess its function.
Is it necessary to undergo all these tests for diagnosis? Not always. Your healthcare provider will determine which tests are most appropriate based on your symptoms and medical history.
Treatment Options for Hiatal Hernia-Related Back Pain
Managing back pain associated with a hiatal hernia often involves treating the underlying hernia and addressing any related acid reflux. Treatment options may include:
Lifestyle Modifications
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals
- Avoiding trigger foods that exacerbate symptoms
- Elevating the head of the bed while sleeping
- Quitting smoking
Medications
- Antacids for immediate acid neutralization
- H2 receptor blockers to reduce acid production
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for long-term acid suppression
Physical Therapy and Exercise
Can physical therapy help with hiatal hernia-related back pain? Yes, in many cases. A physical therapist can design a program to strengthen core muscles, improve posture, and alleviate back pain. Exercises may include:
- Diaphragmatic breathing exercises
- Gentle stretching routines
- Core strengthening exercises
- Postural correction techniques
Surgical Intervention
In severe cases or when conservative treatments fail, surgery may be recommended. Surgical options include:
- Nissen fundoplication: The most common surgical procedure for hiatal hernias
- Laparoscopic repair: A minimally invasive approach to repairing the hernia
Home Remedies and Self-Care for Hiatal Hernia Symptoms
While medical treatment is often necessary, there are several home remedies and self-care strategies that may help manage hiatal hernia symptoms and associated back pain:
- Practice good posture: Maintain an upright posture to reduce pressure on the stomach and esophagus.
- Use heat therapy: Apply a heating pad to the upper back to alleviate muscle tension.
- Try gentle massage: Self-massage or professional massage may help relax tense back muscles.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to aid digestion and reduce acid reflux.
- Avoid tight clothing: Loose-fitting clothes can help reduce pressure on the abdomen.
Are these home remedies a substitute for medical treatment? No, they should be used in conjunction with professional medical advice and prescribed treatments.
Preventing Hiatal Hernias and Associated Back Pain
While not all hiatal hernias can be prevented, certain lifestyle choices may reduce your risk:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid heavy lifting or straining
- Quit smoking
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques
- Practice good posture
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fiber
Can these preventive measures guarantee you won’t develop a hiatal hernia? No, but they can significantly reduce your risk and improve overall digestive health.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Hiatal Hernia Symptoms
While many cases of hiatal hernias can be managed with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention:
- Severe chest pain or pressure
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Vomiting blood or passing black stools
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent, severe back pain unrelieved by conservative measures
Should you wait until symptoms become severe before seeing a doctor? No, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider as soon as you suspect you may have a hiatal hernia, especially if you’re experiencing back pain.
Living with a Hiatal Hernia: Long-Term Management and Quality of Life
For many individuals, living with a hiatal hernia is a long-term reality. However, with proper management, it’s possible to minimize symptoms and maintain a good quality of life. Consider the following strategies:
- Adhere to your treatment plan: Follow your doctor’s recommendations for medications and lifestyle changes.
- Monitor your diet: Keep a food diary to identify trigger foods that exacerbate symptoms.
- Stay active: Regular, moderate exercise can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce symptoms.
- Manage stress: Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga.
- Attend regular check-ups: Follow up with your healthcare provider to monitor your condition and adjust treatment as needed.
Can individuals with hiatal hernias lead normal, active lives? Absolutely. With proper management and care, most people with hiatal hernias can engage in their usual activities and enjoy a high quality of life.
Understanding the connection between hiatal hernias and back pain is crucial for effective management and treatment. By working closely with healthcare providers, implementing lifestyle changes, and exploring various treatment options, individuals can successfully manage their symptoms and minimize the impact on their daily lives. Remember, early diagnosis and intervention are key to preventing complications and ensuring the best possible outcomes.
Can a Hernia Trigger Back Pain? Diagnosis and Treatment
A hernia is a condition in which a part of the body, usually the muscle or tissue, protrudes through an opening. Can a Hernia Trigger Back Pain? we will discuss this in this article.
When you have a hernia, the tissue that normally holds your
intestines in place (the bowel) bulges out of the opening in your abdomen. This
can cause back pain if the bulging hernia presses on or irritates your spine.
If you have back pain caused by a hernia, there are a few things you can do to
treat it.
What is the reason for back pain and hernia?
There are several types of hernias, including –
inguinal hernia, hiatal
hernia, umbilical
hernia, ventral
hernia, femoral
hernia, or epigastric
hernia.
Inguinal hernia is the most common abdominal hernia found in
individuals, which generally develops when a part of the small intestine pushes
through a weak spot of the abdominal wall close to the groin.
A hernia is a medical condition that can be present at birth
or occur over time. It is common in men as compared to women. Many people feel
pressure or pain in the affected area. However, an individual may also
experience pain in the lower or mid-back. Although, it is not generally simple
to decide if the hernia is the reason for the back pain.
In case, an individual is experiencing lower back pain without
any symptoms of a hernia, then the reason for pain could be something else.
If an individual has a lump in the lower abdomen or groin area with some pain, it might be a hernia that could be causing this another pain.
Difference between Spinal hernia and Abdominal hernia
The term spinal hernia is also known as a herniated disc, prolapsed
disc, ruptured disc, and slipped disc.
An individual may experience this condition when the gel-like
substance inside the discs that pad between every single one of the bones in the
vertebrae starts to press out the surface through a debilitated region of the disc’s
external band.
Since the spinal canal is thin,
a spinal nerve is often strained by the slipped disc leading to pain in the
back. At times, an individual may experience numbness and tingling.
A herniated disc is similar on a basic level to an abdominal
hernia. In both conditions, something inside is attempting to get out, leading
to pain. In any case, the area of these conditions varies, thus does the matter
that is attempting to move beyond its standard limits.
Whereas an abdominal hernia is a lump or swelling in
the abdominal cavity that pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall and
forms a lump or bulge.
However, in a herniated disc condition, that jelly-like
substance in the center of the disc presses out through a weak spot or rupture in
the extreme external edge of the disc. It can develop in any section of any disc
of the spine.
Generally, it is found in the lower back and if it doesn’t put
pressure on a nerve then an individual may encounter gentle lower back pain.
At times, the disc ruptures and applies pressure on at least
one lumbar nerve root that meets up to turn into the sciatic nerve, which is a
long nerve that goes through the hips, posterior, and down the legs.
Then an individual may need to prepare for some pain and irritation that transmit from the lower back to the hips, legs, and calves. This transmitting pain is called radiculopathy.
Is it a lumbar triangle hernia?
A lumbar triangle hernia is a rare medical condition that
occurs when tissue develops an injury in the flank, and this can also lead to
back pain.
A Lumbar hernia can be identified as a lump on the back that can cause pain in coughing. The lump may still be evident on lying down and it may get irritated during a workout.
Lumbar triangle hernia generally includes fat covering the bowel but can seldom contain bowel.
Can a hernia be the reason for your back pain?
According to Dr. Valeria Simone, MD
experienced board-certified general surgeon at
Southlake
General Surgery, Texas, it’s not generally possible to let know if a hernia
is causing back pain, which is the reason we encourage individuals to get it
examined.
What are the symptoms of a spinal hernia?
The size of the herniation and position of the impacted disc
will influence the symptoms of a spinal hernia. The pain doesn’t continuously
remain confined to the site of the slipped circle.
In a few individuals, hernia pain stretches out to the neck
or lower back as well. It could emanate down your arms or down your legs,
normally in the areas to which the nerve travels.
Your pain may get worse while you stand up, sit down, or
move in a particular position. If you create radiculopathy, the subsequent
aggravation may be gentle, yet it can also be severe.
When to consult a doctor
It is important to consult your doctor if you notice a hernia
or any symptoms related to the hernia. When there is severe pain, you should
consult your doctor immediately or seek medical help to avoid further
complications.
Your doctor may suggest the hernia treatment after examination of your hernia type. Once the hernia is examined your doctor may suggest any one of these hernia surgeries – Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery or Open Surgery.
If an individual has an abdominal hernia, then you may require hernia repair surgery.
Your doctor may also use the conventional method for
individuals with a herniated disc to treat the pain with pain medications along
with physical therapy.
Conclusion
In case you have noticed a hernia through a lump or through hernia
symptoms or pain in the back that is getting worse and won’t go away. You
should speak to your doctor.
Based on the type of hernia and its location on the body,
your doctor will suggest the medication or hernia surgery.
Appointment
For more information on Back pain and hernia – Diagnosis and
Treatment. You can contact our healthcare expert today at +1(817) 748-0200. You
can also make
an online appointment with us.
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Posted on | by Sophie
Pain in the chest behind the ribs and in the back
Sometimes pain is felt in the chest, in the back, the diaphragm and behind the ribs during or after meals and can then feel like cramp. If you have one or more of these symptoms, it may be a sign of a hiatal hernia.
If the pain is something new that has arisen, increases in strength and you are worried, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible. This may be angina or a heart attack.
Having pain behind the sternum or ribs, in the diaphragm and back can, however, have many explanations that are not acute or dangerous. Other causes of pain in the chest can be inflammation, muscle aches or panic/anxiety disorders.
Why do you get pain in the chest during or after meals?
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Causes of pain in the chest
A hiatal hernia means that your diaphragm is weakened and allows part of the stomach to move into the chest cavity.
The stomach then pushes away other organs and releases stomach acid that together causes pain, which can be confused with a heart attack.
The left image shows how the upper part of the stomach slid up through the diaphragm. In the right image, it has its normal position.
Treating chest pain
If you have pain behind your sternum due to a hiatus hernia, plus symptoms such as heartburn, acid reflux or gastritis, you are often treated with medicines such as: Omeprazol, Omecat, Omezolmyl, Omestad, Losec, Esomeprazol, Nexium, Lanzoprazol, Lanzo, Pantoprazol or Pantoloc which suppresses the production of gastric acid.
However, these are not long-term treatment methods due to the potential adverse reactions[1-7]. The treatment might also be that you change your diet and living habits – surgery is only suggested in more severe cases.
The IQoro is an all-natural neuromuscular treatment and training method, which treats the cause of a hiatus hernia and not just the symptoms, without side effects. It is based on more than 20 years of evidence-based research.
All it takes is for you to train with the IQoro for 90 seconds a day until you feel that you are trouble-free, and then continue with maintenance training.
Read more about treatment with IQoro.
Reviewed by Mary Hägg in association with IQoro
Associate Professor of Experimental Research in Ear, Nose and Throat diseases at Uppsala University, and Hospital Dental Surgeon specializing in orofacial medicine.
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Reference sources
- Läkemedelsvärlden (2011), PPIs are linked to serious side effects, https://www.lakemedelsvarlden.se/ppi-kopplas-till-allvarliga-biverkningar/ Retrieved 26/10/2018 at 14:24
- Region Halland, Läkemedelskommittén (2018), Information om omeprazol och andra protonpumpshämmare, Att sluta med behandlingen, https://www.regionhalland.se/PageFiles/136945/724_Broschyr_A5_PPI_V6.pdf Retrieved: 26/10/2018 at 17:16
- Region skåne, Terapigrupp Gastroenterologi [Gastroenterology Therapy Group] (2017) Att sluta med protonpumpshämmare, Information till dig som skall avsluta din behandling https://vardgivare.skane. se/siteassets/2.-patientadministration/patientinformation/patientinformation-protonpumpshammare.pdf Retrieved 26/10/2018 at 17:19 (removed) New link: https://vardgivare.skane.se/patientadministration/patientinformation/broschyr/att-sluta-med-protonpumpshammare/
- Läkartidningen (2008), Ökad risk för magsjuka med protonpumpshämmare, nr 17 http://ww2.lakartidningen.se/07engine.php?articleId=9323 (borttagen) New link: https://lakartidningen.se/klinik-och-vetenskap-1/lakemedelsfragan/2008/04/okad-risk-for-magsjuka-brmed-protonpumpshammare/
- Läkartidningen (2008), Ökad risk för magsjuka med protonpumpshämmare, nr 17 [Increased risk of stomach issues with PPIs, No. 17], Information om omeprazol och andra protonpumpshämmare – att sluta med behandlingen, Retrieved 30/10/2018 at 13:25.
- Region Örebro County, Läkemedelskommittén [Pharmaceutical Committee] (2017), Patient information – information on Omeprazole and other PPIs, stopping treatment, Retrieved 30/10/2018
- Neal K. , Scott H., Slack R., Logan R. (1996), Omeprazole as a risk factor for campylobacter gastroenteritis:case-control study, BMJ vol.312 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8601113 Retrieved 30/10/2018
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What is IQoro?
Read more about IQoro and how it works.
Read the article
How do I get started with IQoro?
A step by step guide on how to use IQoro.
How to use IQoro
Hiatus hernia – Clinic 29
Hiatal hernia or diaphragmatic hernia occurs when the abdominal esophagus, part of the stomach, or the abdominal esophagus, together with part of the stomach, moves into the chest cavity through the esophagus (the opening through which the esophagus enters the abdominal cavity from the chest cavity). Sometimes other organs located in the abdominal cavity can also be displaced through the esophageal opening of the diaphragm into the chest cavity.
Diaphragmatic hernia is caused by increased elasticity of the tissues that limit the esophageal opening of the diaphragm, the ligament between the diaphragm and the esophagus, one of the legs of the diaphragm. Increased elasticity of the aperture of the diaphragm may be congenital. Sometimes there is an anomaly of development – the so-called “short esophagus with a chest stomach”, but more often a hernia occurs during the patient’s life under the influence of conditions that contribute to an increase in intra-abdominal pressure. This is hard physical labor, obesity, ascites (accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity), endocrine diseases. Sometimes pregnancy leads to a hiatal hernia. The weakening and thinning of ligaments and connective tissue with age matters.
At the beginning of the disease, the displacement of the organs of the abdominal cavity into the chest cavity occurs periodically, under the influence of physical exertion, coughing, vomiting, overeating, etc. Then such a loss becomes more frequent or permanent.
The most common hernia is axial or sliding. In this case, the abdominal part of the esophagus or the final section of the esophagus with part of the stomach falls into the esophageal opening of the diaphragm.
Symptoms
One of the most common complaints is heartburn (due to reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus). With a hernia of the POD, heartburn often occurs at night or after eating. Heartburn can also occur after exercise, and is often accompanied by pain.
Hiatal hernia pain occurs in 40-50% of patients. The pain is quite intense, felt retrosternally, has a burning character and, therefore, is often confused by patients with pain in angina pectoris. Pain with a hernia of the esophagus is most often associated with bending, physical activity and is aggravated by lying down. Pain in hiatal hernia is often accompanied by reflux of food into the esophagus and. With a change in body position, the pain often subsides.
The next common symptom of hiatal hernia is belching. Belching – involuntary sudden release of gases through the mouth from the stomach or esophagus, sometimes with an admixture of stomach contents, occurs in 30 – 73% of patients. Belching occurs with gastric contents or air. Belching is usually preceded by a feeling of fullness in the epigastric region. This condition occurs after eating or during a conversation. Taking antispasmodics is ineffective, only belching a significant amount of food brings relief.
Difficulty in passing food through the esophagus in hiatal hernia is intermittent. It is often provoked by the intake of very cold or, on the contrary, very hot food, as well as nervous overload. The persistent nature of the difficulty in passing food through the esophagus should be alert for complications.
A complication of hiatal hernia is most often reflux esophagitis, but a peptic ulcer of the esophagus may develop, with a long course of which, in turn, cicatricial stenosis (narrowing) of the esophagus may occur. There are acute and chronic bleeding from the esophagus, perforation of the esophagus, or strangulated hernia in the esophageal opening of the diaphragm.
Hiatus hernia is diagnosed by x-ray. Conventional fluoroscopy of the esophagus and stomach with barium contrast is often sufficient. To clarify the diagnosis, esophagogastroscopy is performed.
Treatment of hiatal hernia .
A diet with fractional meals in small portions is prescribed, treatment of constipation. Physical therapy is a must. Performing certain exercises helps to avoid displacement of the stomach. Drugs are used to reduce gastric secretion and reduce the acid aggressiveness of gastric contents, normalize dyskinesia of the gastrointestinal tract.
The occurrence of complications of hiatal hernia is an indication for the appointment of surgical treatment.
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Hiatal hernia and ECD: symptoms, treatment, prevention
Content
- 1 Hiatal hernia and reflux gastroesophageal disease: causes, symptoms and treatment
- 1. 1 Hiatus hernia
- 1.2 Main symptoms of hiatal hernia
- 1.3 Causes of hiatal hernia
- 1.4 Diagnosing hiatal hernia
- 1.4.1 Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
- 1.4.2 Functional examinations
- 1.4.3 Computed tomography
- 1.4 .4 Ultrasound examination
- 1.5 Principles of hiatal hernia treatment
- 1.5.1 Basic principles of treatment:
- 1.5.2 Individual approach
- 1.6 Concept of gastroesophageal reflux disease
- 1.7 Main symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease
- 1.8 Causes of reflux gastroesophageal disease
- 1.9 Methods for diagnosing reflux gastroesophageal disease
- 1.10 Principles of treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease
- 1.10.1 Lifestyle modification
- 1.10.2 Drug therapy
- 1.10.3 Surgery
- .12.0.1 What are hiatal hernias?
- 1.12.0.2 What are the causes of hiatal hernia?
- 1. 12.0.3 What are the symptoms of hiatal hernia?
- 1.12.0.4 How can a hiatal hernia be diagnosed?
- 1.12.0.5 What is reflux gastroesophageal disease?
- 1.12.0.6 How to treat reflux gastroesophageal disease?
Hiatus hernia and reflux gastroesophageal disease: causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. Find out how to prevent these diseases and what to do if you already have them.
Hiatal hernias are one of the most common disorders of the digestive system. This disease is characterized by prolapse of the upper part of the stomach through the diaphragm into the chest cavity, which can cause a number of unpleasant symptoms.
One of the most common manifestations of hiatal hernia is reflux gastroesophageal disease (GERD). This disease is characterized by unpleasant symptoms such as heartburn, belching, bitterness in the mouth, chest pain and others.
GERD is a symptom associated with the backflow of acid from the stomach into the esophagus. This is due to a malfunction in the sphincter that separates the stomach from the esophagus. If such disorders are not treated promptly, they can lead to various complications such as ulcers, esophageal stenosis, and even cancer.
Hiatal hernia
Hiatal hernia is a violation of the position of the hiatus of the diaphragm, as a result of which part of the stomach is displaced into the chest cavity. Such a violation occurs due to weakening of the muscles of the diaphragm or increased pressure in the abdominal cavity. A hernia causes reflux of acid and stomach contents into the esophagus, which can lead to reflux gastroesophageal disease.
Symptoms of hiatal hernia can range from mild to severe. Typically, patients complain of chest pain, heartburn, dysphagia, that is, difficulty swallowing, and belching. If a herniated diaphragm remains unnoticed and not symptomatic, then it may not require treatment.
- However, if you have symptoms of hiatal hernia, it is advisable to see a doctor.
- In some cases, surgery may be required.
To prevent hiatal hernia, you need to monitor your weight, avoid spices and alcohol, and eat right – eat small meals and not go to bed immediately after eating.
Main symptoms of hiatal hernia
Hiatus hernia may be asymptomatic, but in some cases certain signs of the disease may appear.
One of the main symptoms is heartburn which can be mild or severe. Heartburn occurs when stomach contents back up into the esophagus.
Also characteristic is a violation of the process of swallowing and belching . A person may feel pressure in the chest and pain, worsening of the general condition, perhaps even vomiting after eating.
With hiatal hernia, some patients may experience bleeding from the esophagus . This occurs as a result of the fact that the mucous membrane of the esophagus is irritated at the outlet of the stomach and loses its integrity.
Other symptoms of hiatal hernia may include nausea, constipation, loose stools, fatigue . Often these symptoms are explained by the body not being able to digest food as a result of the proper functioning of the digestive system.
Causes of hiatal hernia
Obesity. Excess weight increases pressure in the abdominal cavity, which can cause the diaphragm to stretch and cause a hernia.
Increased pressure in the abdominal cavity. Often occurs in pregnant women, as well as in people engaged in heavy physical labor.
Diaphragm rupture. May be caused by trauma, such as a car accident or a fall from a height.
Chronic cough. Constant tension of the diaphragm when coughing can lead to its stretching and the appearance of a hernia.
Great straining during urination and defecation. May occur in people with constipation or an enlarged prostate. Under these conditions, the diaphragm can also stretch and form a hernia.
Genetic tendency. In some people, the diaphragm can be the weakest point, which can lead to a hernia.
Diagnostic methods for hiatal hernia
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
One of the most accurate research methods is esophagogastroduodenoscopy. It allows you to assess the condition of the walls of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum, as well as to identify a hernia and its stage of development. During the procedure, the doctor, using a special tube with a camera light source, examines the digestive organs, and if necessary, can take a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
Functional tests
Functional tests are used to evaluate the muscles of the diaphragm and esophagus, as well as the movement of the stomach. These include fluoroscopy, manometry, and impedance-pH-metry. Thanks to these methods, it is possible to determine the causes of reflux, clarify the diagnosis and choose the most effective treatment.
Computed tomography
Computed tomography (CT) can be used to identify hiatal hernia and evaluate its size. In this case, an x-ray of the digestive organs takes place after the introduction of a contrast agent for greater accuracy. CT can be an important effective diagnostic method in cases where esophagogastroduodenoscopy is not available or unsuitable (for example, in cardiac hernia).
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a safe and inexpensive test that can help determine the size of a hiatal hernia. In this case, an image of the pathological part of the digestive organ is created using ultrasonic waves. Ultrasound examinations are not accurate and cannot confirm the diagnosis; however, they can serve as an aid in the diagnosis of hiatal hernia.
Principles for the treatment of hiatal hernia
Basic principles of treatment:
1. Avoid factors that aggravate hiatal hernia. These include: smoking, weight gain, intake of fatty and spicy foods, alcohol, treatment with certain medications.
3. The use of drug therapy. The goal of medical treatment is to reduce symptoms and prevent complications of a hernia. Drugs are used that reduce the acidity of gastric juice and improve the function of the esophageal-gastric sphincter.
4. Surgical treatment. It is used if conservative treatment fails or complications occur (eg, bleeding from an esophageal ulcer, esophageal stricture). The operation consists in reducing the hernia and strengthening the opening of the esophageal part of the diaphragm.
Individual approach
Treatment of hiatal hernia requires an individual approach, which depends on the severity of clinical manifestations, the presence of concomitant diseases, age and other factors. Treatment should be comprehensive and include lifestyle changes, drug therapy and surgical treatment, if necessary.
Understanding gastroesophageal reflux disease
Reflux gastroesophageal disease (GERD) is a chronic condition characterized by regular leakage of acid from the stomach into the esophagus. Reflux is the result of a weakening of the sphincter that normally separates the esophagus from the stomach.
GERD can lead to serious complications such as esophageal ulcers, changes in the structure of the esophagus and pharyngeal candidiasis. Therefore, it is important to see a doctor if you have symptoms of ADHD and monitor your health.
Although EBRD cannot be completely cured, there are many treatments available to help reduce symptoms and avoid complications. These methods may include lifestyle changes, diet, medications, and surgery. Treatment should be prescribed only after a thorough diagnosis and consultation with a doctor.
- Lifestyle changes include stress reduction and avoidance of smoking, alcohol and coffee.
- Diet avoids fatty, spicy and acidic foods, as well as foods containing caffeine and chocolate.
- Medications for may include drugs that reduce stomach acid and strengthen the sphincter. Some patients may need a course of antibiotics to clear the infection.
- Surgical treatment of may only be recommended in cases of severe complications and failure of other treatments.
Main symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERB) is a chronic disease characterized by backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus. As a result, irritation and inflammation of the walls of the esophagus occurs, which causes unpleasant symptoms.
Main signs of GERB:
- Burning sensation in the chest is the most common symptom of reflux disease. Burning can occur at any time of the day, but is most often felt after eating.
- Feeling of fullness and fullness in the abdomen – occurs as a result of a violation of the digestive process. May be accompanied by belching and nausea.
- Dysphagia – Difficulty swallowing food. It can happen gradually and end with a complete rejection of food.
- Acid regurgitation – Bad smell and taste in the mouth that comes on after eating or even during the night’s sleep.
- Dry and irritable cough – occurs as a result of the reverse release of gastric contents into the lungs. This symptom can lead to the development of bronchitis and other respiratory diseases.
The presence of one or more of these symptoms may indicate the presence of GERB. Only a qualified doctor can make a correct diagnosis and prescribe the necessary treatment.
Causes of reflux gastroesophageal disease
Reflux gastroesophageal disease (GERD) is the most common disease of the esophagus. It occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter malfunctions, which leads to a violation of the movement of food mass from the stomach to the esophagus.
There are several risk factors that contribute to the development of ECDE:
- Obesity. Excess weight puts additional pressure on the stomach, which leads to a decrease in the tone of the lower cardiac sphincter.
- Smoking. Nicotine irritates the mucosa of the esophagus and increases the secretion of gastric juice, which contributes to the development of GERD.
- Taking certain medications. For example, some antidepressants and asthma medications can decrease the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter and increase gastric acid secretion.
- Food environment. The use of spicy, fatty, acidic foods, as well as frequent overeating can lead to the development of RGEB.
Poor diet, alcohol consumption, hiatal hernia, and pregnancy may also contribute to the development of EDGE.
To reduce the risk of GERD, you need to watch your weight, do not smoke, avoid eating spicy and fatty foods, and also do not abuse alcoholic beverages.
Methods for diagnosing reflux gastroesophageal disease
Reflux gastroesophageal disease (GERD) is a pathological condition in which the contents of the stomach back up into the esophagus. There are several ways to diagnose this disease.
- FGDS — fibrogastroscopy is one of the most common diagnostic methods for ADHD. The doctor examines the esophagus, stomach and the beginning of the intestine. Using this method, you can detect a hernia of the esophageal opening of the diaphragm and other disorders.
- Manometry is a test that measures the pressure of the muscles of the esophagus and detects abnormalities in the motor abilities of the esophagus.
- PH-metry – allows you to measure the level of acidity of gastric juice that has returned to the esophagus. This helps to diagnose RGEB and determine the causes of its occurrence.
Some patients may experience chest pain and discomfort, which may be caused by EBRD. With such symptoms, it is necessary to consult a doctor for diagnostic tests and appropriate treatment.
Principles of treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease
Lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes are an important part of the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Patients are advised to reduce weight, avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and reduce the amount of fatty, spicy and acidic foods consumed. It is also important to ensure that the patient is not taking medications that can cause reflux.
Drug therapy
For reflux gastroesophageal disease, drugs can reduce stomach acid levels and reduce irritation of the esophagus. The doctor may prescribe drugs with proton pumps, antacids, as well as H2-histamine receptor inhibitors.
Surgical treatment
In severe cases where drug therapy fails, surgery may be necessary. The main treatment is fundoplication, which involves wrapping the top of the stomach around the lower esophagus. This helps prevent regurgitation of stomach contents into the esophagus and reduces symptoms of reflux.
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Q&A:
What are hiatal hernias?
A hiatal hernia is a condition where the upper part of the stomach is pushed through the diaphragm and moved into the chest cavity. This can cause various symptoms such as increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, and heartburn.
What are the causes of hiatal hernia?
Hiatal hernias can be caused by a variety of causes, including being overweight, pregnancy, constant stress on animal muscles, hernias, and heredity. Also high risk of infections and other factors that can affect the normal functioning of the stomach.
What are the symptoms of hiatal hernia?
Symptoms of hiatal hernia may include heartburn, difficulty swallowing, palpitations, difficulty breathing, chest pain, and abdominal discomfort.
How can a hiatal hernia be diagnosed?
To diagnose hiatal hernia, your doctor may do a number of tests, including a chest x-ray, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, and gastric manometry.
What is reflux gastroesophageal disease?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a condition where the acidic contents of the stomach move back into the esophagus, causing various symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, heaviness and discomfort in the stomach area.