Hiatal Hernia Cure
- Hiatal hernias come in varying sizes and degrees of severity. In cases where only a small hernia is present, you may not experience any symptoms, and the condition may go undetected for any number of years. However, when larger hernias are present, stomach acids may be forced up into the esophagus, causing symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), including chest pain, heartburn, nausea and belching. Typically, these symptoms will show predictable changes in intensity when you perform certain tasks or assume certain body positions. Pregnancy can also make existing symptoms worse. Consult your doctor if you experience persistent problems, or if your symptoms increase in severity.
In some rare cases, a third or more of the stomach may become caught in the hiatal gap. When this occurs, the portion of the stomach in the gap can lose its blood supply, or twist itself inside the chest cavity. If this happens, you may experience intense chest pain, difficulty swallowing or obstruction of your esophagus. See your doctor immediately if these more severe symptoms occur. - Many cases of hiatal hernia can be controlled through changes in lifestyle, such as losing weight, stopping smoking, avoiding alcohol and limiting intake of fatty foods. Additionally, try avoiding other potentially harmful foods like onions, spices, chocolate, peppermint and spearmint. You may also get relief by elevating the head of your bed while you sleep, and by avoiding rigorous exercise for a couple of hours after eating. Also, if possible, avoid taking medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), calcium channel blockers and tetracycline.
- If lifestyle changes don't give you relief, your doctor may recommend certain medications to help relieve your symptoms. In less severe cases she may suggest use of antacids. However, although these medications will temporarily relieve your discomfort, the effects of relief will disappear as soon as you stop using them.
H-2 blockers work by blocking histamine receptors in your stomach that assist in acid creation. Over-the-counter versions of these drugs include cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac) and famotidine (Pepcid). More severe cases of heartburn may require stronger prescription H-2 blockers.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole (Prilosec) and lansoprazole (Prevacid) effectively block acid production. PPIs are generally considered to be the most effective current treatment for acid reflux, and their use can give injured esophageal tissue time to heal. - If your hernia fails to respond to other treatments, or if it causes dangerous symptoms like esophageal obstruction, surgery may be necessary. Consult your doctor for a full explanation of best surgical options.
