Hiatal Hernia
The diaphragm is a muscle that separates the stomach and the chest. However, sometimes, a part of the stomach bulges into the chest through a hole or opening in the diaphragm called hiatus. This medical condition is called a hiatal hernia. There are two types of hiatal hernia: sliding and paraesophageal. Sliding hernia, the more common type, happens when the stomach and lower part of the esophagus slide up to the chest through the hiatus. While paraesophageal hernia or strangulated hernia occurs when a part of the stomach squeezes to the hiatus, leading to blood loss.
Hiatal hernia is more common among women, obese people, and the elderly. It is still unclear why a hiatal hernia happens. However, some of the most common causes are injury, changes in the diaphragm, pregnancy, persistent coughing, and lifting heavy objects.
A patient with a hiatal hernia may experience heartburn, chest pain, bloating, trouble swallowing, upset stomach, and shortness of breath. Frequent gagging and backflow of flood and liquid from the stomach to the esophagus and the mouth can also be experienced by patients after eating. All of these symptoms lead to a simpler effect – frequent belching.
