A gastric hernia or hiatal hernia is a condition in which the upper part of the stomach enters a hole called a hiatus in the diaphragm. This issue can happen to any person of any age and gender. A gastric hernia is not always associated with symptoms, but the signs of a hiatal hernia are similar to gastroesophageal reflux disease. Do you know why gastric hernia occurs and what are its complications and treatment? Stay with us until the end of the article to answer these questions.
What is a gastric hernia?
The diaphragm is a thin muscular wall separating chest space from the abdomen. A gastric hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach passes through a hole in the diaphragm and enters the chest cavity. The diaphragm is where the esophagus and the stomach meet.
Stomach hernia is possible in any person of any age and sex, although it is more common in people over 50, people who are overweight or obese, and smokers.
The cause of gastric hernia
The most common cause of gastric hernia is increased pressure in the abdominal area. The abdominal cavity is a space in the middle of the body that holds various organs, including:
- Lower esophagus and stomach.
- The small intestine, large intestine, and rectum.
- liver
- Gallbladder, pancreas, and spleen.
- Kidneys.
- Bladder.
Intra-abdominal pressure can be caused by several reasons, including:
- cough ;
- vomiting ;
- straining during defecation;
- heavy lifting;
- physical tension
Also, other factors may contribute to the development of gastric hernia, including:
- pregnancy ;
- obesity ;
- increased fluid in the abdomen;
- Aperture changes due to age;
- injury and damage or a specific type of surgery in the diaphragm area;
- Intense pressure on the muscles around the diaphragm.
Symptoms of gastric hernia
Most people with a stomach hernia have no symptoms. However, some people with a hernia have symptoms similar to GERD. This disease occurs when digestive fluids return from the stomach to the esophagus, and its symptoms include:
- heartburn;
- bitter or salty taste in the back of the throat;
- Bloating or belching;
- Difficulty swallowing;
- abdominal or chest pain;
- shortness of breath ;
- blood in the stool;
- Discomfort or pain in the stomach or esophagus.
There seems to be a connection between gastric hernia and gastroesophageal reflux. Still, one of these diseases does not cause the other, and many people with a gastric hernia do not have reflux and vice versa.
Diagnosis of gastric hernia
Several tests are performed to diagnose a gastric hernia, including a barium swallow test, endoscopy, esophageal manometry, pH test, and empty stomach test.
- Barium swallow test: involves drinking a special liquid and performing an X-ray test to check for problems with the esophagus (including swallowing disorders) and stomach (including ulcers or tumors). It also shows the size of the gastric hernia and the complexity of the stomach as a result of the hernia.
- Endoscopy: The upper part of the digestive system is observed by a long, narrow, and flexible tube carrying a camera.
- Esophageal manometry: includes checking the strength and coordination of the esophageal muscles during swallowing.
- pH test: measures the amount of acid in the esophagus and helps determine symptoms related to acid in the esophagus.
- Examination of an empty stomach: the speed of food leaving the stomach is checked. The results of this study are significant in patients with nausea and vomiting. In addition to stomach hernia, there may be other reasons for nausea and vomiting.
Treatment of gastric hernia
Most gastric hernias do not cause problems and do not require treatment. However, some people have symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux and receive remedies for the condition, including:
- Weight management.
- Reducing the size of meals.
- I avoid certain acidic foods such as tomato sauce or citrus fruits and juices irritating the esophagus lining.
- We limit the consumption of fried or fatty foods or foods and drinks containing caffeine, mint, alcohol, ketchup, mustard, or vinegar.
- They eat food at least 3 to 4 hours before bed and avoid snacking.
- When lying down, you keep the head higher (about 15 cm) than the rest of the body—setting your mattress or bed for this purpose instead of your pillow.
- Quit Smoking.
- Not wearing a belt and not wearing tight clothes that increase abdominal pressure.
- Taking medicine before eating to reduce stomach acid.
Sometimes protein pump inhibitor drugs are used to treat gastric hernia. These medications are another way to reduce stomach acid that can help prevent reflux.
Over-the-counter medications to help with stomach hernias
Sometimes, some over-the-counter medications can reduce the symptoms of a stomach hernia. Antacid is one of the most common drugs. However, if you use these drugs for more than two weeks and they have no effect, you should see a doctor. Prescription medications are the next step in treatment, including:
- pantoprazole ;
- rabeprazole;
- Esomeprazole;
- Omeprazole ;
- Lansoprazole.
Gastric hernia operation
You need surgery if the herniated stomach is so compressed that it cuts off blood flow. Surgery may also be required for people with a herniated disc with severe and long-lasting esophageal reflux and whose symptoms do not go away with medication. This surgery aimsastroesophageal reflux by creating a suitable mechanical valve at the top of the esophagus. This valve is like a door that opens to allow food to enter the stomach but prevents it from returning to the esophagus. Suppose the valve doesn’t work correctly; the stomach contents back up into the esophagus and damage it. Untreated chronic gastroesophageal reflux can cause complications such as esophagitis, esophageal ulcer, or esophageal bleeding.
Gastric hernia surgery involves several steps, including:
- returning the hernia to the abdomen;
- improvement of the esophageal valve;
- We are closing the opening of the diaphragm muscle.
Surgery is performed in two ways, open or laparoscopic. Laparoscopy involves making a small hole instead of an open incision.
Benefits of laparoscopy
- smaller hole;
- less chance of infection;
- less pain or soreness;
- shorter recovery time;
- General anesthesia instead of anesthesia.
Suitable exercises for hiatal hernia
If you have a gastric hernia, the right exercises include movements that reduce the amount of stretch in the abdomen. In the following, we introduce some examples of these activities.
1. Breathing exercise
The diaphragm is a muscle that plays a role in your effective breathing. The hiatus opening in the diaphragm helps pass food from the esophagus to the stomach. A stomach hernia causes the problem of this hole. Therefore, proper breathing is necessary to prevent or control hiatal hernia. Profound and practical breathing is a solution for adequate oxygen flow and improving health. It can also reduce the stretching of the upper neck, diaphragm, and abdomen. Therefore, we suggest you a simple exercise for this topic:
- Sit in the correct position; Your spine should be straight, and your head should be in line with the spine so that the top of your head is facing the ceiling.
- Focus on deep abdominal breathing with each breath.
- To do this, imagine your ribs pulling apart and your belly pushing forward to allow oxygen to enter your lungs.
- Make sure that your neck and upper body are not raised or tense.
- Breathe in and out slowly and consciously.
- Repeat this ten times.
- As much as possible, use this breathing technique in your daily activities.
If this is difficult for you, you can start lying down.
2. Gently press the scapula
Body position plays a vital role in breathing mechanisms. If you’re hunched over for a long time, this can significantly reduce the diaphragm’s ability to function correctly. This simple exercise can help you:
- Sit on a chair without the support and place your feet on the floor.
- Adjust your spine, so it is vertical as if you were holding a bucket of water over your head without it spilling over.
- Imagine a coin between your shoulders that you have to press or hold.
- Keep your neck and upper shoulders relaxed as you pause for 3-5 seconds.
- Repeat this ten times.
- Depending on your preference, you can also move your arms back during the shoulder press.
- You can do this whenever you feel like bending over, at your desk, or in the car.
- Do this exercise at least three times a day.
3. Yoga exercises
Doing yoga is a great way to coordinate breathing and flexibility. Yoga poses can help relieve pain and promote relaxation and overall well-being.
1. Cat-cow tension
This stretch is excellent for coordinating breathing and movement. It can also affect your spine.
- Place your hands on the floor precisely in line with your shoulders and your knees in line with your hip joints, and keep your spine in a neutral position.
- As you inhale deeply, arch your back toward the ceiling and lower your head toward the floor.
- Stretch your back until you feel comfortable, and stay in this position for 3 to 5 seconds until you feel a good stretch in the lower back.
- Exhale as you slowly arch your spine back to normal, then arch your stomach toward the floor and lift your head toward the ceiling.
- Wait 3 to 5 seconds again.
- Repeat these two modes ten times in 3 turns.
2. Standing high-tension position
This yoga movement helps with sitting deep breathing, teaches you how to coordinate breathing and hand movements, and improves daily activities.
- Squat on the floor.
- Slowly roll your shoulders back and lift your spine toward the ceiling.
- Breathe deeply as you bring your arms around and above your head.
- Wait 1 to 2 seconds.
- Exhale as you slowly return your arms to their original position.
- Repeat this 2 or 3 times and ten times each time.
3. The child’s condition
This exercise is suitable for flexibility and good breathing.
- Place your hands and knees on the floor.
- Bend your hips toward your heels as you bring your arms forward and chest toward the floor.
- If possible, rest your chest on your thighs and your forehead on the floor.
- Pause for 30 to 60 seconds and repeat this 2 to 3 times, focusing on deep breathing.
- You should feel a stretch in your lower back, middle back, hip joints, and arms.
4. Exercise for stretching the stomach
Abdominal muscles and other central muscles play an essential role in the excellent stability of the trunk. When this stretching and coordination is compromised, it may lead to an improper extension of the abdominal cavity. Doing some exercises helps to improve the condition.
1. Sitting on a stability ball
This exercise is excellent for learning to coordinate the activation and movement of the abdominal muscles simultaneously. You can also focus on proper breathing. This simple movement may seem difficult initially, but it becomes easier over time.
- Sit on an exercise ball.
- Keep your spine in a neutral vertical position on the ball.
- At the same time, slowly arch the lower back.
- At the same time as you exhale, reverse the direction of the waist and tighten the abdomen. Your core should be slightly rounded.
- Pause for 2 to 3 seconds and then repeat.
- Ensure only the lower back, and pelvis change position and the upper spine remains.
- Repeat this 2 or 3 times and ten times each time.
This exercise can reduce abdominal pressure and the risk of developing a hernia.
Whenever you do traditional abdominal exercises, you should focus on maintaining lower back stability and abdominal tightness. The following method will help you with this:
- Lie on your back.
- Tighten the lower abdomen to flatten the stomach.
- Raise your legs and bend your knees so that your hip joints and knees form a 90-degree angle.
- Stretch one leg, bring it closer to the ground, and keep it at a distance of 15 cm from the ground.
- After a short pause, return your portion to the previous position and straighten your other leg.
- Repeat this ten times.
- Make sure your stomach is tight, you breathe easily, and your lower back is stable.
- If the exercise is challenging for you, you can adjust the distance of the foot from the ground so that you feel more comfortable.
you say
How familiar are you with a gastric hernia? Do you use a unique method to prevent or treat it? If you wish, you can write your experience and opinion in the comments section and send this article to friends with stomach hernia problems.
