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A hiatus hernia is an anatomical condition where a portion of the stomach pushes upward through the opening (hiatus) in the diaphragm, the muscle separating the chest and abdomen. This movement allows stomach acid to easily flow back into the oesophagus.
read more about hiatus hernia ...The primary mechanism involves the weakening of the diaphragm muscle and excessive abdominal pressure. Causes include obesity, heavy lifting, chronic coughing or straining, and age-related tissue relaxation. The weakened muscle allows the stomach to slide upward into the chest cavity.
Symptoms are associated with acid reflux. These include frequent heartburn, regurgitation of sour liquid or food, difficulty swallowing, and chronic coughing. Symptoms are often worse after eating or when lying flat.
Diagnosis is made using specialized procedures. A barium swallow (X-ray) or an endoscopy (using a camera to view the oesophagus) confirms that the stomach has pushed through the hiatus in the diaphragm.
A hiatus hernia does not directly impact vision. However, the associated chronic, severe acid reflux can cause symptoms that require management. The chronic coughing associated with reflux can rupture small blood vessels in the eyes, causing temporary, noticeable eye redness.
Management involves lifestyle changes and medication. Lifestyle changes include avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals, and avoiding eating before bedtime. Medication includes proton pump inhibitors to reduce stomach acid production. Surgery may be needed for severe cases.
No, the hernia is a structural issue. Medication manages the reflux symptoms but does not "fix" the physical displacement.
Yes, small hiatus hernias are very common, especially in people over the age of 50 or those who are overweight.
Yes, weight loss reduces pressure on the diaphragm, which can keep the stomach from sliding upward and reduce reflux.
Seek care if you experience "Dysphagia" (difficulty swallowing) or if food feels stuck in your chest. Chronic acid reflux from a hernia can lead to "Barrett's Esophagus," a precancerous condition. Regular endoscopy may be required for long-term monitoring.
Cleveland Clinic. Hiatal Hernia (clevelandclinic.org). 2024.
Mayo Clinic. Hiatal Hernia Symptoms (mayoclinic.org). 2024.
StatPearls. Hiatal Hernia (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). 2024.
MedlinePlus. Hiatal Hernia Overview (medlineplus.gov). 2024.