The Role of Hiatal Hernia in Acid Reflux: What You Need to Know
If you’ve been struggling with persistent heartburn, acid reflux, or GERD, you may have heard about hiatal hernias. While they’re commonly associated with acid reflux, many people are unaware of how these hernias contribute to their symptoms. In this blog, we’ll explore the connection between hiatal hernias and acid reflux, the symptoms to watch for, and the treatment options available.
What is a Hiatal Hernia?
A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of your stomach pushes through the diaphragm and into your chest cavity. The diaphragm is the muscle that separates your chest from your abdomen and plays a crucial role in breathing. Under normal circumstances, the diaphragm helps keep stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. However, when a hiatal hernia is present, this barrier is weakened, making acid reflux more likely.
How Does a Hiatal Hernia Cause Acid Reflux?
The primary issue with a hiatal hernia is the disruption of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a ring of muscle that acts as a valve between the esophagus and stomach. In a normal, healthy digestive system, the LES opens to allow food into the stomach and closes tightly to prevent stomach contents from flowing back up. A hiatal hernia can weaken the LES, making it easier for stomach acid to escape into the esophagus, leading to acid reflux or GERD.
Symptoms of a Hiatal Hernia
The symptoms of a hiatal hernia can vary, but they often overlap with those of GERD. Common symptoms include:
Heartburn: A burning sensation in the chest, often after eating.
Regurgitation: A sour or bitter-tasting acid backing up into your throat or mouth.
Difficulty swallowing: Feeling like food is stuck in your throat or chest.
Chest pain: Discomfort or pain, particularly after meals.
Belching: Frequent burping or hiccuping.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms regularly, it’s essential to seek medical advice. You can start by scheduling a consultation with our specialists at the Tampa Bay Reflux Center to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Diagnosing a Hiatal Hernia
Hiatal hernias are often discovered during tests for other conditions, such as GERD. Common diagnostic methods include:
Upper Endoscopy: A thin, flexible tube with a camera is used to view the inside of your esophagus and stomach.
Barium Swallow: You drink a chalky liquid that coats your digestive tract, making it visible on X-rays.
Esophageal Manometry: This test measures the muscle contractions in your esophagus to assess the function of the LES.
Learn more about the diagnostic process on our diagnosis and testing page.
Treatment Options for Hiatal Hernias
Treatment for a hiatal hernia often overlaps with treatment for GERD. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, medications, or in more severe cases, surgery.
Lifestyle Changes: These may include eating smaller meals, avoiding trigger foods, and elevating your head while sleeping.
Medications: Antacids, H2 blockers, or proton pump inhibitors can reduce acid production and relieve symptoms. However, we believe this is a band-aid solution.
Surgical Options: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the hernia and strengthen the LES. Procedures like Nissen Fundoplication are common for treating both hiatal hernias and GERD.
When to Consider Surgery
If lifestyle changes and medications aren’t enough to manage your symptoms, or if you have a large hiatal hernia, surgery might be the best option. At Tampa Bay Reflux Center, we specialize in minimally invasive procedures that offer quicker recovery times and excellent outcomes. Our surgical treatments are designed to provide long-term relief from both GERD and the complications of hiatal hernias.
Conclusion
Understanding the link between hiatal hernias and acid reflux is crucial for effective treatment. If you suspect you have a hiatal hernia or are struggling with GERD symptoms, don’t wait to seek help. Contact Tampa Bay Reflux Center today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward relief.