In the recent Gastroenterology Consultants of Central Florida article, readers found out the different ways they can get better after receiving a diagnosis for High-grade dysplasia. Today, readers will learn of the other conditions these Orlando gastro doctors treat such as heartburn and hiatal hernias.
What are hiatal hernias?:
Have you ever experienced heartburn after eating spaghetti? For some people, they experience heartburn after almost every meal. You will soon see how this relates to a hiatal hernia.
A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper section of the stomach pushes through the opening in the diaphragm. It then goes into the chest cavity. Do you remember what a diaphragm is?
The diaphragm is the thin muscle wall which separates the chest cavity from the abdomen. It plays an important role. The opening in the diaphragm is where the esophagus and stomach meet.
The most common cause of a hiatal hernia is an increase in pressure in the abdominal cavity. The abdominal cavity is the space in the middle of the body that holds several organs. The following are located in the abdominal cavity:
- bladder
- kidneys
- liver
- gallbladder
- pancreas
- spleen
- lower part of the esophagus and stomach
- small intestine
- colon
- rectum
Those at risk:
People can develop a hiatal hernia at any age and both sexes. Most frequently, they occur in people over the age of fifty and older. They occur more often in overweight people and smokers.
To reduce your chances of developing one, focus on being more active, losing weight, and fighting the smoking addiction. Speak to your doctors about other ways you can reduce your likelihood of developing a hiatal hernia.
Pregnancy is a time women can develop this sort of hernia. This is obviously because the body is shifting around its organs to make room for the growing baby. A person may also develop a hiatal hernia if there is extra fluid in the abdomen or if they are obese.
How you can tell if you have a hiatal hernia:
Many people with a hiatal hernia never notice or have symptoms. Some with hiatal hernias have identical symptoms as GERD. Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. occurs when digestive juices move from the stomach back into the esophagus.
GERD symptoms include:
- bitter or sour taste in the back of the throat
- heartburn
- bloating or belching
- discomfort or pain in the stomach/esophagus
Join us next time as we share more on GERD, heartburn, and hiatal hernias. If any of these symptoms sound familiar to what you experience, do no hesitate to make an appointment. Experienced gastroenterologists are the ones that can help alleviate your symptoms.
Staff Writer