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Reasons For Concern If You Have Heartburn Hernia

It isn’t common for people with a hernia to experience heartburn as a symptom, but occasionally if they experience heartburn, hernia could be the cause.

What Is A Hernia?

A hernia, also known as a hiatus hernia, is a commonly misunderstood medical condition that occurs when the stomach muscle moves up through an enlarged hiatus. Though the reason for this occurrence is unknown, some think it may be linked to genetics. Other medical experts speculate that it could be caused by obesity or weight lifting.

Whatever the reason, approximately 60% of people experience a hernia by the age of 60. Symptoms often attributed to the medical condition, like heartburn hernia, are actually very uncommon—most people do not experience any symptoms at all. However, some people do experience severe symptoms, such as heartburn hernia, regurgitation, acid reflux, anemia, and difficulty swallowing.

What Are The Different Types Of A Hernia—And Which Type Is Most Likely To Cause Heartburn Hernia?

There are three different types of hiatus hernias. First, there is the sliding hiatus hernia. The sliding hiatus hernia I, which is the most common type of hernia, occurs when the portion of the stomach that has risen through the hiatus slides back and forth, back and forth through the chest.

Sliding hiatus hernias are common and usually cause few or no problems or symptoms. The next type of hiatus hernia is the fixed hiatus hernia, which is when the upper part of the stomach is caught in the chest. Though there could be few symptoms experienced with this type of hernia, there is an increased potential for problems with the esophagus.

Finally, there is the Complicated Hiatus Hernia, also known as the Serious Hiatus Hernia. This hernia is very uncommon and does not develop in a distinct pattern or form; however, one case of this type of hernia could occur when the whole stomach moves up in the chest.

This final and dangerous type of hernia, while rare, is the one with the most likely chance of symptoms. It is most likely that one with Complicated or Serious Hiatus Hernia will experience heartburn hernia.

Should My Heartburn Hernia Be Treated?

Hiatus hernias with no symptoms do not require treatment. However, if your hernia is causing you to experience symptoms, such as chronic heartburn, reflux esophagitis, anemia, difficulty swallowing, chronic coughing, or chronic wheezing, then you should seek treatment from your doctor. The treatment is most commonly changes in lifestyles, such as making sure you follow a healthy diet and by avoiding alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine.