Hiatus Hernia

Overview

Hiatal Hernia (also called hiatus hernia) occurs when part of the stomach pushes upward through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. The diaphragm normally separates the chest from the abdomen and has a small opening (hiatus) through which the esophagus passes.

When the upper part of the stomach moves through this opening, it forms a hiatus hernia. This condition can contribute to acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

At Moolchand Hospital, patients with digestive and hernia-related conditions receive specialized care from experienced gastroenterologists and surgeons. As a trusted multi super speciality hospital in Delhi and a leading hospital in Lajpat Nagar Delhi, Moolchand provides advanced diagnostics and minimally invasive treatment for hiatus hernia.

What is a Hiatus Hernia?

A hiatus hernia develops when the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity.

Normally, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and diaphragm help prevent stomach acid from moving into the esophagus. When a hernia forms, this mechanism may weaken, leading to acid reflux symptoms.

Some people with hiatus hernia may not experience symptoms, while others may develop reflux-related problems.

Types of Hiatus Hernia

Sliding Hiatus Hernia

This is the most common type. The stomach and lower esophagus slide upward through the diaphragm into the chest.

Paraesophageal Hernia

A less common but potentially serious type where part of the stomach pushes beside the esophagus into the chest.

Symptoms

Many people with small hiatus hernias have no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they are often related to acid reflux.

Common symptoms include:

• Heartburn or acid reflux
  
  

• Difficulty swallowing
  
  

• Chest discomfort or burning sensation
  
  

• Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
  
  

• Chronic cough
  
  

• Hoarseness or throat irritation
  
  

• Feeling of fullness after meals
  
  

Severe cases may cause persistent pain or difficulty swallowing.

Causes

Hiatus hernia develops due to weakness or increased pressure in the diaphragm opening.

Common causes include:

• Age-related weakening of diaphragm muscles
  
  

• Increased abdominal pressure
  
  

• Obesity
  
  

• Pregnancy
  
  

• Chronic coughing
  
  

• Heavy lifting or straining
  
  

In some cases, the condition may develop without a clear cause.

Risk Factors

Factors that increase the risk include:

• Age over 50 years
  
  

• Obesity
  
  

• Smoking
  
  

• Chronic constipation or straining
  
  

• Frequent heavy lifting
  
  

Lifestyle factors can influence symptom severity.

Diagnosis

Doctors diagnose hiatus hernia using imaging and endoscopic tests.

Diagnostic procedures may include:

• Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy
  
  

• Barium swallow X-ray
  
  

• Esophageal manometry
  
  

• pH monitoring to measure acid reflux
  
  

At Moolchand Hospital Delhi, advanced gastroenterology diagnostic facilities help identify the type and severity of the hernia.

Treatment

Treatment depends on symptom severity and the type of hernia.

Lifestyle Changes

Doctors may recommend:

• Eating smaller meals
  
  

• Avoiding lying down immediately after meals
  
  

• Maintaining a healthy body weight
  
  

• Avoiding trigger foods such as spicy or fatty foods
  
  

Medications

Medications may be prescribed to reduce acid production and control reflux symptoms.

Surgical Treatment

In severe or complicated cases, laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair may be recommended to reposition the stomach and strengthen the diaphragm opening.

Possible Complications

If untreated, hiatus hernia may lead to complications such as:

• Chronic acid reflux (GERD)
  
  

• Esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus)
  
  

• Difficulty swallowing
  
  

• Ulcers in the esophagus
  
  

• Strangulation in rare paraesophageal hernias
  
  

Early treatment helps prevent long-term digestive complications.

Prevention

Although hiatus hernias cannot always be prevented, the following measures may help reduce risk:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
  
  

• Avoiding heavy lifting or excessive straining
  
  

• Managing chronic cough
  
  

• Eating balanced meals and avoiding overeating
  
  

Healthy lifestyle habits can also reduce reflux symptoms.

Why Choose Moolchand Hospital?

Patients choose Moolchand Hospital Lajpat Nagar for digestive and hernia care because of:

• Experienced gastroenterologists and laparoscopic surgeons
  
  

• Advanced endoscopy and diagnostic imaging facilities
  
  

• Minimally invasive surgical techniques
  
  

• Comprehensive treatment for GERD and digestive disorders
  
  

• Multidisciplinary medical care
  
  

• Trusted care at a leading private hospital in Delhi
  
  

The hospital provides personalized treatment plans to help patients manage symptoms and improve digestive health.