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!

If you are having chest pain caused from hiatal hernia there are natural remedies you can take and things you can do to make the pain stop.

Your hiatal hernia is your acid reflux and heartburn symptoms gone wild.

Hiatal hernia is a perfect example of what can happen when you only treat symptoms of a simple acid indigestion.

Ignoring the cause of your hiatal hernia and chest pain is the same as only treating symptoms.

To stop your chest pain caused from hiatal hernia for good, you won’t need any medication; instead all you need is some real science.

That’s really all folk remedies and ancient healing wisdom is . . . science.

Medicine has become a political activity and doesn?t concern itself with nurturing a healing experience and often ignores real science. Tragically, today Big Medicine is driven solely as a profit generating machine . . .

Your hiatal hernia once began as a little heartburn, graduated up to chronic acid indigestion and now you’ve got some serious chest pain.

The chest pain from hiatal hernia is a dangerous thing, not only because it’s painful, but because it is inflicting harmful stress on all your organs and taxing your immune system.

If you’ve been eating a Western pattern diet for more than 30 years you can’t afford to expend anymore of your stored minerals and nutrients . . . which is what often causes acid reflux diseases and hiatal hernia in the first place. . .under-nutrition.

If the stress from your chest pain and pressure from the hiatal hernia persist you could end up with adrenal fatigue, a compromised immune system and other complications.

First thing you can do is put your hands over your head and take some slow deep breathes. If this helps move your arms in a circular pattern, like a windmill, breathing in and out as deeply as you can.

Next step up on your tip toes with your hands above your head, breathe in deeply and then as you exhale suddenly drop from your toes to your heels while bringing your arms down to your side. Repeat this process ten times.

If you are feeling relief from the chest pain, keep doing it until the hiatal hernia relaxes and the pain decreases enough to go for a nice walk. Get some fresh air, swing your arms and walk for about 20 minutes and rest.

To stop the hiatal hernia from causing more chest pain repeat as necessary.

You were born to heal,

Todd M. Faass

Health Advocate