Hiatal hernia

Alternative names:

hernia - hiatal

Treatment:

The goals of treatment are to relieve symptoms and prevent complications.

Medical therapy is aimed at reducing regurgitation of stomach contents into the esophagus (gastroesophageal reflux). Medications that neutralize stomach acidity, or that strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter, may be prescribed.

Other measures to reduce symptoms include:

• avoiding large or heavy meals
• never lying down or bending over immediately after a meal
• weight reduction and smoking cessation

Failure to control the symptoms by general or medical measures, or the onset of complications, may require surgical repair of the hernia.

Expectations (prognosis):

Most symptoms are alleviated with treatment.

Complications:

• slow bleeding and iron deficiency anemia (large hernia)
• pulmonary (lung) aspiration
• strangulation (closing off of the hernia)

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms indicate you may have developed a hiatal hernia.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have a hiatal hernia and symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment, or new symptoms develop.