What is Hiatus Hernia?
Hiatus Hernia is the herniation of a part of the stomach into the thoracic cavity through the esophageal opening within the diaphragm. Hiatus hernia occurs at the oesophageal opening. The disease is common after middle age. It is estimated that about half the people above 60 years of age suffer from it, although most of them may not have any symptoms. The correct diagnosis of haitus hernia can be arrived at by means of berium meal x-ray test.
Causes of Hiatus Hernia
Causes of hiatus hernia include sedentary occupations, without sensible exercise, overweight resulting from overeating, smoking, shallow breathing and mental and emotional tensions.
1. Congenital weakness in the diaphragm.
2. Injury to the diaphragm.
3. Obesity.
4. Age above 50 years.
What are the commom symptoms of Hiatus Hernia ?
Hiatus Hernia is characterised by pain in certain areas. The most common areas are behind the breast bone at the nipple level and lower, at the end of the breast one. Commom symptoms of Hiatus Hernia are:
- Pain may also occur on the left chest and this is often mistaken for angina.
- Other areas of pain are the base of the throat, right lower ribs and behind the right shoulder blade.
- The pain increases when the patients stoops with efforts and lies down.
- heart-burn, especially after a meal, a feeling of fullness and bloatedness, flatulence and discomfort on swallowing.
Other Rare Symptom of Abdominal Hernia Symptom, Hiatus Hernia Symptom, and femoral hernia symptom
The most common symptom of a hiatus hernia is burning in your chest (heartburn), especially at night when you are lying down. Other possible signs include burping and trouble swallowing. A variety of conditions can give rise to Hiatus Hernia. The following represent the most common.
Symptom of Hiatus Hernia:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Heartburn
- Difficulty swallowing
- Coughing
- Belching
- Hiccups
Prevention tips for Hiatus Hernia Cure and Hiatal Hernia diet :
Certain remedies have been found highly beneficial in the treatment of Hiatus Hernia.
- The patient of hiatus hernia should observe certain precautions in their eating habits. The foremost amongst these is not to take water with meals, but half an hour before or one hour after a meal. This is the proper Hiatal Hernia diet for the patient of this disease. This helps the digestive process considerably and reduces the incidence of heartburn.
- Another important factor in the treatment of this disease is to take frequent small meals instead of three large ones.
Thorough mastication of foods is also essential, both to break up the food into small particles and to slow down the rate of intake. - The diet of Hiatal Hernia patients should consist of seeds, nuts, and whole cereal grains, vegetables, and fruits, with emphasis on fresh fruits, raw or lightly cooked vegetables, and sprouted seeds. This is the proper Hiatal Hernia diet for the patient of this disease. The foods which should be avoided are over-processed foods like white bread and sugar, cakes and biscuits, rice puddings, and overcooked vegetables. At least 50 percent of the diet should consist of fruits and vegetables, and the remaining 50 percent of protein, carbohydrates, and fat.
- Raw juices extracted from fresh fruits and vegetables are valuable in hiatus hernia, and the patient should take these juices half an hour before each meal. Carrot juice is especially beneficial as it has a very restorative effect, and is rich in vitamin A and calcium. This is the proper Hiatal Hernia diet for the patient of this disease. It is an alkaline food that soothes the stomach. All juices should be diluted with water on a 50: 50 basis as they are concentrated.
- The hot drinks should always be allowed to cool a little before taking. Extremes in temperature, in both food and drink, should be avoided, drinks should not be taken hurriedly, but sipped slowly. The patient should avoid condiments, pickles, strong tea, coffee, alcoholic beverages
and smoking.