If you are one of the millions who suffer from a hiatal hernia, you know how uncomfortable and frustrating it can be. Hiatal hernias occur when part of the stomach pushes up into the chest cavity, and they can cause various symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing. In this blog post, we will discuss ten treatments for hiatal hernia.
Medications
Many people suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease, in which the part of your stomach protrudes into the chest cavity through the diaphragm. While some people with this condition experience no symptoms, others may suffer from heartburn, indigestion, and difficulty swallowing. Various treatments are available for Hiatal hernias, from lifestyle changes to surgery. One of the most effective treatments is medication.
You can use several different types of medication to treat hiatal hernia, including antacids, histamine blockers, and proton pump inhibitors. Each type of medication works differently to reduce the symptoms of hiatal hernia. The most commonly prescribed medication is a proton pump inhibitor, which helps reduce the stomach’s acid. In most cases, a combination of lifestyle changes and medication is the most effective way to treat this condition.
Dietary Changes
Dietary changes are the essential part of treatment for a hiatal hernia. The hernia is caused by a weakness in the muscle that separates the chest and abdomen. This muscle is responsible for keeping the part of your stomach in its proper place. When the muscle is weak, the stomach can protrude through the opening in the diaphragm and into the chest cavity.
It can cause heartburn, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing. Dietary changes can help reduce symptoms and prevent the hernia from worsening. Increasing fiber and avoiding trigger foods can help keep the stomach contents from backing up into the esophagus.
Weight Loss
If you are overweight, weight loss can help to reduce the symptoms of hiatal hernia. Weight loss can also help to prevent the condition from getting worse. Losing even a small amount of weight can significantly affect your symptoms. If you are having trouble losing weight, many resources are available to help you. Your doctor can refer you to a dietitian or nutritionist who can help you develop a healthy eating plan. There are also several online resources and support groups that can provide guidance and motivation.
Surgery
Surgery is the most common treatment for a sliding hiatal hernia. Surgery aims to fix the hole in your diaphragm and stop stomach acids from entering your chest. Surgery is usually only recommended if you have a large hiatal hernia or if medicine doesn’t work. Surgery is a significant operation, so it’s usually only done as a last resort. There are two types of surgery for a hiatal hernia;
- Open surgery: This type of surgery requires a large incision in your chest. The surgeon will pull your stomach into your chest and sew it. This type of surgery has a longer recovery time than minimally invasive surgery.
- Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS): MIS is a newer surgery requiring only small incisions. During MIS, the surgeon will insert a needle through one of the incisions and pass it under your diaphragm to your stomach. A small device called a stapler is then used to seal the hole in your diaphragm. You’ll likely have a shorter hospital stay and quicker recovery with MIS than with open surgery.
Surgery is the most effective treatment for a hiatus hernia, but it’s not without risks. The most common complications of surgery are bleeding and infection. There is also a small risk of the hernia coming back after surgery. So if you’re considering surgery, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.
Avoiding Carbonated Beverages And Caffeine
Avoiding carbonated beverages and caffeine can help prevent the symptoms of hiatal hernia. Carbonated beverages and caffeine can cause the stomach to produce more acid, leading to the sliding hiatal hernias symptoms. Caffeine can also relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid reflux into the esophagus.
In addition, avoiding fatty and spicy foods can help to prevent the symptoms of hiatal hernia. Fatty and spicy foods can increase stomach acid production and relax the lower esophageal sphincter.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking cigarettes is a leading cause of hiatal hernia. The chemicals in tobacco can damage and weaken LES, the muscle that separates the stomach from the esophagus. When the LES is damaged, it doesn’t close properly which allows the stomach acids to flow back into the esophagus.
It can cause heartburn, indigestion, and other symptoms of hiatal hernia. If you smoke cigarettes, the best thing you can do for your health is to quit. Avoiding other foods and activities that trigger heartburn can also help prevent hiatal hernia.
Elevating The Head Of The Bed During Sleep
One standard treatment for hiatal hernia is the elevation of the head of the bed during sleep. It means that the person sleeping should have their head lifted above their torso so that gravity can help keep the stomach contents in the stomach where they belong. In addition, this elevation decreases the chances of stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus. A hiatal hernia occurs in such cases but you can treat it by elevating the head of the bed during sleep.
There are a few ways to achieve this elevation, such as by placing blocks under the legs of the bed frame or by lying on a wedge-shaped pillow. Some people need to sleep in this elevated position all the time, while others only need to do it when experiencing symptoms. Elevating the head of the bed can be an effective way to reduce symptoms and may help to prevent further damage to the hiatus.
Wearing Loose-Fitting Clothing
Wearing loose-fitting clothing is one treatment for hiatal hernia recommended by medical professionals. This method attempts to prevent abdominal pressure and reduce the chances of the stomach contents pushing up through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. However, wearing tight clothing, belts, or other constrictive clothing can increase the risks associated with hiatal hernia, so it is best to avoid these types of clothing if you are susceptible to the condition.
Practicing Stress Reduction Techniques
Several stress reduction techniques can be used to Treatments for Hiatal Hernia. Some of these techniques include:
- Relaxation therapy involves learning how to relax the body and mind in response to stress. It can be done through various methods, including progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, visual imagery, and autogenic training.
- Meditation is another effective stress reduction technique used in treatments for hiatal hernias. It involves focusing the mind on a single point of interest, such as a mantra or an object. It helps clear the mind of intrusive thoughts and worries, promoting a sense of inner peace and calm.
- Biofeedback is another proper stress reduction technique that can be used in treatments for hiatal hernias. It involves using feedback devices to help you become more aware of your body’s physiological response to stress. This information can help you learn how to control your body’s stress response, reducing hiatal hernia symptoms.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live bacteria that are naturally present in the gut. They are essential to gut health and help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the intestines. In addition, probiotics have a range of other health benefits, including boosting immunity, improving digestion, and reducing inflammation.
Hiatal hernia is a condition that occurs when part of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. It can cause heartburn, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing.
Probiotics are a promising treatment for hiatal hernia and may help reduce symptoms by restoring the balance of gut bacteria. A recent study found that people with Hiatal hernias who took probiotics experienced a significant reduction in symptoms compared to those who did not.
Conclusion
There are several treatments for hiatal hernia that can help to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Some of the most effective treatments include elevation of the head during sleep, wearing loose-fitting clothing, stress reduction techniques, and probiotics. If you are suffering from a hiatal hernia, talk to your doctor about which treatments may be right for you.
