The diaphragm is a thin muscle that sets apart the stomach and the chest. Sometimes, a part of the stomach peeks into the chest through a hole or opening in the diaphragm called a hiatus. This medical condition is called a hiatal hernia. There are two types of hiatal hernia – sliding, and paraesophageal.
A sliding hernia occurs when the esophagus, food pipe, and stomach move around the chest. The movement varies from upward, downward, inside, and outside the chest area. It is commonly seen as minor bulging and may not require medication or treatment as it can heal itself. This type is common and affects any age.
A paraesophageal or fixed hernia is an uncommon type of hernia. This condition is described as the movement of the lower part of the esophagus, stomach, and other gastrointestinal organs in the chest. This condition is not life-threatening; however, there is a risk of blockage in the blood flow going to the stomach.
While the exact cause has not yet been identified, experts conclude that excessive pressure given to the stomach muscle and an injury that damages muscle tissues may be the leading causes of hiatal hernia.
Heartburn
Usually, a small hiatal hernia will not make a person experience any symptoms or pain, but a large hiatal hernia may trigger heartburn. When a hiatal hernia is large enough, it allows the flow of stomach acids to go back to the esophagus. Thus, heartburn occurs significantly when food and stomach acid penetrate the esophagus. In addition, the abnormality of the gastrointestinal organs weakens the tissues that support digestion and increases pain experienced in the abdomen. This leads to the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD.
Heartburn caused by a hiatal hernia usually occurs after consuming food. The undigested food triggers the backflow of stomach acid going to the esophagus. As a result, a patient may feel a burning sensation around the chest area accompanied by a painful strike. The backflow of stomach acids may worsen hiatal hernia since it can damage the esophagus. In addition, frequent heartburns and backflow of stomach acids may make the hiatus grow bigger.
