| What is a hiatus hernia? | | | | you should avoid foods and beverages that |
| Your diaphragm is a sheet of muscle across your | | | | aggravate symptoms of reflux - these include |
| abdominal area below your lungs which assists | | | | citrus fruits, alcohol, and caffeine-containing drinks |
| with your breathing. Your esophagus, that is, your | | | | such as tea, coffee and cola; |
| gullet through which food passes from your | | | | wait at least two hours after eating before |
| mouth to your stomach, passes through a small | | | | you do any exercise; |
| opening in your diaphragm. This is the weakest | | | | for sleeping, raise the head of your bed by |
| part of your diaphragm. A hiatus hernia occurs | | | | about four to six inches. This will help stop |
| when a section of your esophagus and stomach | | | | stomach acid from moving upwards into your |
| protrudes through that opening upwards into your | | | | esophagus while you are asleep; |
| chest cavity. | | | | if you are able to do so, avoid using pillows in |
| The symptoms of a hiatus hernia usually include | | | | your bed as raising your head can often put |
| heartburn and swallowing difficulties. At times | | | | additional pressure on your abdomen; |
| Inflammation of the esophagus can occur and this | | | | where possible, avoid bending over or |
| is an additional complication. | | | | stooping, especially after eating; |
| If you have any of these symptoms indicative of | | | | do not attempt to lift very heavy objects |
| a hiatus hernia, there are a number of things you | | | | that cause you to strain; |
| can do to help these. However there are two | | | | avoid wearing tight clothing that restricts your |
| important provisos: | | | | chest and stomach. |
| you should not assume that because you | | | | if you are a smoker - give up! Smoking |
| have some of these symptoms, that you do | | | | increases stomach acid reflux. |
| actually have a hiatus hernia - you should see | | | | losing weight is one of the most important |
| your doctor for an accurate diagnosis; | | | | things you can do to reduce the pressure on your |
| if you are diagnosed with hiatus hernia and | | | | stomach and reduce symptoms. If you are |
| are attempting some of the following suggested | | | | overweight, you should discuss with your doctor a |
| treatments and there is any change in your | | | | safe weight loss plan suitable for you. |
| symptoms, or they get worse, you should see | | | | Building some or all of these lifestyle changes into |
| your doctor immediately. | | | | your daily routines should bring about |
| What can you do for your hiatus hernia? | | | | improvement in the symptoms of your hiatus |
| instead of having three larger meals each day | | | | hernia. But you should always remember the two |
| eating several smaller meals will help by putting | | | | provisos given above: |
| put less pressure on your stomach; | | | | if you have acid reflux, and perhaps some |
| do not lie down after eating. You should | | | | associated pain you should not just assume that |
| always wait at least two hours, preferably longer | | | | you have a hiatus hernia - you should consult your |
| before lying down. By waiting this long it means | | | | doctor to get an accurate diagnosis; |
| that most of your food will have passed through | | | | if, after diagnosis and while trying some |
| your stomach into your small intestine and so is | | | | suggested treatments, you notice significant |
| no longer likely to flow back into your esophagus. | | | | changes in your symptoms - you should consult |
| This also means that you should not eat before | | | | your medical practitioner. |
| going to bed at night - avoid supper; | | | | |