Hiatal hernia is the term used to describe a condition in which a portion of the stomach has protruded into the diaphragm, either as a result of a tear or a weakness of the diaphragm muscle. When this occurs, it interferes with the flow of food through the esophagus and into the stomach, which can result in multiple problems including heartburn, chest pain, and shortness of breath.

Hiatal hernias are most common in individuals over the age of 50 and can be caused or aggravated by factors such as obesity, smoking, frequent coughing, poor posture, and heavy lifting. Many individuals who suffer from hiatal hernias do not experience any symptoms, but a small percentage of people will experience symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty swallowing, acid reflux, and hiccups.

One of the more disturbing symptoms reported with hiatal hernias is shortness of breath. This happens when the hernia crowds the chest area, thereby giving the lungs less room to work. With the reduced lung capacity, individuals who suffer from this condition often find that they have a hard time catching their breath, as well as feeling as if they never quite get enough oxygen into their lungs. It can make everyday activities such as climbing stairs much more difficult.

Often, lifestyle changes can be highly effective in mitigating the symptoms of a Hiatal hernia. Simple changes such as exercising more and improving posture can make a significant difference, especially when it comes to alleviating the shortness of breath that can occur with a hiatal hernia. Other recommended changes include eating smaller meals, refraining from heavy lifting, and elevating the head while sleeping. Dietary changes also have been shown to have a positive impact on these symptoms. Eliminating things such as caffeine, chocolate, and fried foods can be highly effective and preventing or eliminating these symptoms.

For many individuals experiencing shortness of breath due to a Hiatal hernia, implementing these lifestyle and dietary changes will allow them to successfully eliminate or manage their symptoms.

For more information regarding shortness of breath as it is associated with a Hiatal hernia visit refluxremedy.com today!

Nature and Symptoms

Also known as hiatus hernia, paraesophageal hiatal hernia is a protrusion of the stomach into the thorax due to a tear or weakness in the diaphragm. This condition is often called the ‘great mimic’ because its symptoms resemble many other disorders, such as heartburn, shortness of breath, or even chest pains, which can be mistaken as heart attack.

While hiatus hernia can occur anytime as a result of some factors, it affects mostly middle-aged people and is more common in developed countries. This is likely a result of unhealthy diets, higher rates of obesity, and less physically active lifestyles.

Causes

Paraesophageal hiatal hernia is caused by several factors including diet, heredity, weight, lifestyle, and habits. Pregnancy and obesity can push the top of the stomach upwards, leading to hiatal hernia. Other physical causes include violent vomiting (especially when forced out as in anorexics), hard sneezing or coughing, heavy lifting, and straining during defecation.

A lack of fiber in the diet causes constipation and straining during defecation. This increases intra-abdominal pressure to the stomach which can result in hiatus hernia. Unhealthy lifestyles such as excessive drinking,smoking, and stress may also contribute to the condition.

Risks

Occasional mild discomfort and feelings of bloating or acid reflux are common, and need no urgent medical attention.

However, an enlarged hernia can pose two major threats – incarceration and strangulation. Incarceration is where the hernia is tightly stuck and repeatedly squeezed beside the esophagus, causing intense pain. Strangulation is more serious and life-threatening, because the hernia is in a position to cut off air circulation and blood supply. In rare cases, the hernia can lead to esophageal injury and even cancer.

Treatment and Prevention

In less serious cases, doctors advise patients to elevate the head of the bed and avoid lying down when full. Medications may be prescribed for stress, acid reflux, and constipation.

Hiatus hernia can be prevented through healthy habits and proper nutrition. Consumption of high-fiber foods prevent constipation and reduce risk of hiatal hernia. Avoid coffee, alcohol, and cigarettes. When lying down, elevating the head and torso can alleviate symptoms. Weight loss is advisable in overweight individuals. Physical activities should exclude heavy lifting. Most of all, individuals should relax and avoid stressful situations.

These practices will alleviate the condition and help one to avoid extreme solutions, which can include surgery.

For more information about Paraesophageal Hiatal Hernia visit refluxremedy.com today!

Hiatal hernias happen when a section of the stomach abnormally shifts to another area. The new location could be in the chest area or adjacent to the esophagus. There are also two kinds of hiatal hernias: sliding and rolling. The difference between the two is determined based on the new location of the stomach. Hiatal hernias occur because of a weak diaphragm? When your diaphragm isn’t as strong as it should be, it may open wider than normal and allow the stomach to move up, beyond the diaphragm. It is important for you to become knowledgeable about the warning signs and symptoms of a hiatal hernia. This will allow you to familiarize yourself with this condition so that you can’t try to detect whether or not you are suffering from it. Early detection will enable you and your doctor to get you back to good health.

Hiatal hernia is not something that can be totally diagnosed based on how you feel. Self diagnosis is very hard to do because the symptoms of hiatal hernia may reflect another disease or condition. Often times, signs of a hiatal hernia are very similar to the symptoms of GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease. Symptoms of GERD may include a burning pain in the throat, chest, regurgitation, hoarseness, and a sore throat. Common physical issues that are associated with a hiatal hernia are pain in the stomach and chest.

Heartburn and chest pain are two of the major signs of hiatal hernia. When stomach acid goes up into the esophagus, this causes irritation. Stomach acid is meant to be used to break down and digest food particles within the stomach. If stomach acid goes outside of the stomach, it essentially will have the same properties and effects. Stomach acid in the esophagus is harmful and corrosive because of the level of acidity. Heartburn doesn’t actually affect your heart. When the stomach acid enters your esophagus and travels upward, you can feel pain in your entire chest and heart area. That is why it is called heart burn.

There are a number of things that you can do to reduce your risk of developing a hiatal hernia.

Lifestyle changes are probably the best way to combat the symptoms of hiatal hernia.

• You can eliminate eating meals a few hours before going to bed.
• You can also eat smaller meals, which causes your stomach to produce lower quantities of stomach acid.
• The type of meals that you eat is also very important when it comes to relieving symptoms.
• Cut back on spicy and high fat foods.
• Reducing your alcohol consumption and cutting out smoking can lower the chances of having a hiatal hernia.
• You should also practice lifting objects with the proper technique and avoid lifting heavy objects in general.

If you think that you may be suffering from a hiatal hernia due to your persistent heartburn, you need to consult with a medical professional. To find out more about hiatal hernia symptoms and what you can do about them, visit www.refluxremedy.com today for more information.

Are you looking for an exercise to alleviate your hiatal hernia pain?

Then you’ve come to the right page.

A friend of mine almost died from a hiatal hernia right before my eyes. Talk about facing the reality of health and death. Ever since that evening, I’ve learned to really cherish my health and the blessings of a good digestive system.

Understanding what hiatal hernia actually is best illustrates why certain exercises are better than others.

Hiatal hernia is a violent upward muscle spasm that happens somewhere behind your heart muscle. The stomach starts the problem by losing its ability to move and digest food . . . usually from a lack of enzymes and stomach acid.

As food builds up and more food is added to an already backed up plumbing system, the stomach area bulges and stretches. Being filled to the brim with undigested food gases form from stagnation and the stomach herniates upward and out the diaphragm.

The hiatal diaphragm is the large muscle that is between your ribs and your organs, so the bloating stomach can really only push up to the one opening where your throat goes through.

What happened to my friend is the undigested pieces of steak he eat for dinner were pushed up through this opening in the diaphragm almost choking him to death.

Neither of us knew what to do, he kept pacing and choking, if he laid down, sat down or bent over it got worse.

Hiatal hernia is a scary ordeal and the best exercise we came up with after some fast Internet research was to ‘jump’. Luckily his wife had two things that saved him; a yoga ball and a tiny exercise trampoline.

The yoga ball helped by allowing him to stretch backward on the large flexible exercise ball . . . whereas the exercise trampoline made it easier to jump allowing gravity to exercise his diaphragm back down away from his throat.

Bottom-line exercising on a regular basis is the best prevention against you having a hiatal hernia event, along with eating small portions and chewing your food well.

Walking is the best way to exercise away any digestive stress. If you experience a hiatal hernia try jumping up in down. Rise on your toes and drop your heals like dead weight to the floor 10 times.

Then stretch backward over a large round, preferable soft object . . . yoga balls are large and soft enough to make this an easy exercise practice for hiatal hernia prevention too.

You were born to heal,

Todd M. Faass

Health Advocate