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The diaphragm is a muscle tissue that separates your chest from your stomach. Normally all your stomach organs are located below the diaphragm. To reach the stomach, your esophagus goes down through the center of your chest and through an opening in the diaphragm. This opening is called the hiatus. Depending on multiple conditions (aging, physical activity) hiatus can enlarge. This allows the top portion of the stomach to move upward into the chest cavity. The portion of the stomach which rises above the diaphragm is called hiatal hernia.
Hiatal Hernia Causes
The causes of a hiatal hernia are speculative and unique to each individual. However, there are multiple causes. First of all there may be a mechanical cause. Improper weight lifting, hard coughing bouts, sharp blows to the abdomen, tight clothing and incorrect posture may contribute to the development of this problem. Improper lifting may be (though not necessary) the biggest mechanical cause of this disorder. If the air is not expelled out of a person’s lungs during lifting, it can force the stomach into the esophagus. So be careful with that. A hiatal hernia in turn can cause or contribute to gastroesophageal (acid) reflux. This happens when a hernia slightly displaces the LES (lower esophageal sphincter), a circular band of muscle around the bottom of the esophagus. Usually diaphragm is aligned with the lower esophageal sphincter, which relaxes to allow food and liquid to flow into your stomach when you swallow. The diaphragm supports and puts pressure on the sphincter to keep it closed when you’re not swallowing. But a hiatal hernia raises the sphincter above the diaphragm, reducing pressure on the valve. This permits the sphincter muscle to open at the wrong time, allowing stomach acid to back up into the esophagus. A hiatal hernia can also cause heartburn if the herniated portion of your stomach becomes a reservoir
Hiatus Hernia Types?
1. Sliding Hiatus Hernia – it is the most common type of hiatus hernia. The herniated portion of the stomach slides back and forth, into and out of the chest. These hernias are normally small and usually cause no problems or even symptoms.
2. Fixed Hiatus Hernia – In this case, the upper part of the stomach is caught up in the chest. Even with this hernia, there may be few symptoms. However, the potential for problems in the esophagus is increased.
3. Complicated or Serious Hiatus Hernia – This type of hernia is uncommon. It includes a variety of patterns of herniation of the stomach, including cases in which the entire stomach moves up in the chest. There is a high likelihood that medical problems will occur with this hernia and that treatment, frequently involving surgery, will be required. Complicated hernias are uncommon.
Hiatal Hernia Symptoms
Most hiatal hernias cause no problems especially if they are small. But larger hernias may cause heartburn, belching or chest pain when stomach acids back up into your esophagus. These signs and symptoms tend to become worse when you lean forward, strain, lift heavy objects or lie down, and they can also worsen during pregnancy. In rare cases, the part of your stomach that protrudes into your chest cavity may become twisted and have its blood supply cut off, leading to severe chest pain, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), obstruction of your esophagus. If you experience any of these symptoms immediately contact your doctor.
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Source by Vasily Nezabudkin