The hiatal hernia is a disease that affects the stomach, causing a portion of it to rise towards the thoracic cavity. What are the symptoms and how is it treated?
The hiatal hernia is called the migration of a portion of the stomach into the thoracic cavity through the esophageal hiatus, or the opening on the diaphragm that allows the passage of the esophagus. Let's find out better.
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Types of hiatal hernia
There are different types of hiatal hernia:
- Hiatal sliding hernia : this is the most common type, the hernia goes up and down, entering and exiting the thoracic cavity. These hernias are usually small and do not cause problems or symptoms.
- Fixed hiatal hernia (or paraesophageal): in this case the upper part of the stomach remains trapped in the rib cage. Even in this situation the symptoms may be negligible. However, it is more likely to have problems with the esophagus.
- Hiatal hernia complicated or mixed (more rare), in which the hernia can take different forms, up to the extreme case in which the whole stomach forms a hernia in the thoracic cavity. It is very likely that this type of hernia requires surgery.
Symptoms of hiatal hernia
Hiatal hernia is generally an asymptomatic condition: the possibility of the onset of symptoms depends on the presence of esophageal reflux .
In other cases it can instead manifest itself with symptoms of variable intensity, the most frequent of which is eructation: since in fact a portion of the stomach rises towards the thoracic cavity, the organ tends to fill up with air frequently, generating a sense of heaviness gastric that can lead to epigastric and thoracic pains.
In the most serious cases these problems can simulate a myocardial infarction. Another symptom, less frequent, may be the appearance of extrasystoles, especially after meals.
Hiatal hernia is generally an asymptomatic condition: the possibility of the onset of symptoms depends on the presence of esophageal reflux .
Among the complications that can be associated with the disorder:
- chronic heartburn and chronic inflammation of the lower esophagus (reflux esophagitis);
- anemia, due to chronic bleeding of the lower esophagus;
- ulcers and narrowing of the lower esophagus, causing difficulty in swallowing.
Heartburn: never tried the mallow?
Causes
There are no certain causes that determine the onset of hiatal hernia, but there are numerous factors that predispose to this pathology. Among these, without a doubt:
- Obesity and overweight
- Bad sitting posture
- Frequent cough
- Frequent tensions, uprisings and efforts
- Old age
- Inheritance and congenital defects, such as excessive opening of the esophageal hiatus
- Bad habits, like smoking
Diagnosis
To diagnose the presence of a hiatal hernia it is necessary to undergo a radiograph of the upper digestive tract, or an endoscopy.
To correctly perform the X-ray, the patient will have to ingest a contrast liquid in order to make the stomach, esophagus and duodenum, upper portion of the small intestine, clearly visible.
Instead, endoscopy takes place through the insertion of a flexible oral tube in the stomach. On the top of this very thin tube there is a micro-camera, which will explore the esophagus and the stomach, identifying any problematic situation.
A final diagnostic tool consists in measuring the pH of the esophageal contents during the day, or the internal pressure of the esophagus.
If the pH is too acid or the internal pressure appears to be below the normal value, it is likely that the cause is the presence of a hiatal hernia.
CARE FOR IATAL HERNIA
Supply
It is very important to chew calmly . This factor is essential, because it allows you to contain the regurgitations and enjoy what you are taking .
Avoid (or use in moderation) substances that increase acid reflux into the esophagus, such as nicotine, caffeine, chocolate, fat-rich foods, mint, alcohol. All carbonated drinks should also be excluded from the diet.
It is good to supplement the usual diet with fermented milk, kefir and natural yogurt enriched with probiotic bacteria.
Increase the daily intake of medlars, apricots, berries, papaya, asparagus, yellow pumpkin, American sweet potatoes baked in the oven and mangoes .
Make less substantial and more frequent meals and let at least 2 or 3 hours pass between the meal and the moment you go to sleep.
Find out more about proper nutrition to fight hiatal hernia
Phytotherapy remedies for hiatal hernia
Fresh mint can be distributed on raw or cooked vegetables to facilitate digestive processes and avoid intestinal meteorism.
Also very useful is the fluid extract of papaya, in the dose of 20 drops, twice a day, diluted in 2 tablespoons of pure blueberry juice, or raspberry, about 15 minutes before the main meals.
Equally valid is the bitter orange, in the form of fluid extract, in the dose of 20 drops, twice a day, diluted in 2 tablespoons of celery and carrot smoothie .
You can also choose to dilute 15 drops of artemisia in two tablespoons of apple juice and drink three times a day, 15-20 minutes before meals.
The gastric function can be improved by taking yarrow in the form of fluid extract, in a dose of 30 drops, three times a day, about 30 minutes before meals.
The devil's claw at normal dosage is generally well tolerated, even for long periods, especially if taken on a full stomach; it is not recommended, however, to use it at excessive dosages, or at the same time as anti-inflammatory drugs, of which it could accentuate the gastrolesivity.
Bach flowers
The Bach Sweet Chestnut flower is the most suitable for hiatal hernia, because it is very useful for the well-being of the stomach even in the presence of reflux and ulcer.
The remedies of aromatherapy
To alleviate esophageal spasms, peppermint essential oil can be used, just 3 drops in a tablespoon of whole virgin lavender honey, three times a day, about 10 minutes after the main meals.
Traditional Chinese medicine in hiatal hernia
Traditional Chinese medicine enables the symptoms associated with hiatal hernia to be controlled such as gastroesophageal reflux, gastric hyperacidity, meteorism . This is possible by going to work on points such as:
ZU SAN LI (under the lower edge of the patella, to the side of the anterior tibial crest), tones Spleen and Stomach;
ZHONG WAN (4 cun above the navel), regulates the Stomach and dissolves Humidity;
IN THE GUAN (above the fold of the wrist between the tendons), tones the Heart and Spleen;
WEI SHU (1.5 cun beside the thorny apophysis of the XII thoracic vertebra), tones and regulates the Stomach.
Homeopathy
The homeopathic approach must be supplemented with the evaluation and treatment recommended by the gastroenterologist specialist.
The remedies in case of hiatal hernia are: Argentum nitricum 9 CH - Ipeca 5 CH - Iris versicolor 7 CH (5 granules of each, alternately).
Along with this homeopathic preparation, Kali carbonicum 5 CH (5 granules, half an hour before meals) is also very suitable, it is potassium carbon, ideal for digestive disorders and retro-marital pain.
Nux vomica 5 CH (5 granules, 3 times a day) relieves pain with burning pains, nausea, regurgitation.
Exercises for hiatal hernia
Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes, tight belts and vents, to avoid increasing pressure on the abdomen and causing reflux.
If you are overweight, it is good to start thinking about losing a few pounds with some healthy physical activity, especially if the fat exerts pressure on the abdomen.
Raise the cushion about 20-30 centimeters, placing cushions or supports under the mattress. The force of gravity will allow you to keep the acids away from your stomach during sleep.
