How to treat Hiatal Hernia
Heartburn is one of the symptoms of Hiatal Hernia. When you have Hiatal Hernia, part of your stomach is displaced upward, to your esophagus. Here are some tips you can follow to treat this condition.
When planning for the management of this condition, having enough knowledge and understanding of its symptoms, medications and treatments are very important.
Symptoms
Small hernias may not have symptoms, but large hernias may cause any of the following symptoms.
Heartburn
Chest pain
Belching
Nausea
Diagnosis
Once your doctor suspects Hiatal Hernia, he’ll do any of the following tests to confirm your condition.
Barium swallow. You’ll be asked to ingest a milky substance that has barium. On X-ray, this substance will help visualize your upper digestive tract. It would show if contents from your stomach are going up to your esophagus.
Endoscopy would show any damage on the esophagus. This also provides visualization of your stomach.
Treatments
Medications. To relieve symptoms, your doctor may prescribed drugs that would help decrease the acidity of your stomach.
Surgical Procedure. The sac that protrudes to your esophagus may be removed or your doctor may make the opening of your stomach smaller. If you have a weak esophageal sphincter, it may be reconstructed by your doctor.
Medications
To decrease the acidity of your stomach or reduce the production of acidic substances, these medications are commonly given to treat Hiatal hernia.
Antacids ease heartburn. Some over the counter antacids you may take are Maalox, Mylantan and Tums.
H2 Blocker reduces acid secretions. Examples of this drug are Famotidine (Pepcid), Cimetidine (Tagamet) and Ranitidine (Zantac). Take the medication before meals as it takes about half an hour for the drug to work.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI’s) stop the production of acid in your stomach. This gives your esophagus the time it needs to heal.
Home Care
Have small frequent meals. This would prevent stomach content from going up to your esophagus as compared with having 3 large meals in a day.
Avoid stomach irritants. Caffeine, spicy food, chocolates and mints increases acid production. You should also avoid foods that are high in acid like citrus fruits and those with tomatoes.
Avoid fatty foods as they slow your digestion. This means that there is also an increase time for acid production in your stomach.
Avoid laying down or seating immediately after meals. These position would make it easier for the contents to travel back up to your esophagus, especially when you already have a weak esophageal sphincter. Sitting also places additional pressure on your stomach.
Don’t wear tight- fitting clothes to lessen pressure on your stomach.
Do some relaxation techniques. Stress is one factor that increases acid production. When stressed, perform deep breathing exercises. You may also do some meditation or yoga.