Does Hiatal Hernia Cause Bloating

What Are The Symptoms Of A Hiatal Hernia

Many people with a hiatal hernia never have symptoms. Some people with hiatal hernia have some of the same symptoms as gastroesophageal reflex disease . GERD occurs when digestive juices move from the stomach back into the esophagus. Symptoms of GERD include:

• Bitter or sour taste in the back of the throat.
• Bloating and belching.
• Discomfort or pain in the stomach or esophagus.

Although there appears to be a link between hiatal hernia and GERD, one condition does not seem to cause the other. Many people have a hiatal hernia without having GERD, and others have GERD without having a hiatal hernia.

Another symptom of a hiatal hernia is chest pain. Since chest pain can also be a symptom of a heart attack, its important to contact your healthcare provider or go to the emergency room if you experience any chest pain.

Can You Get A Hernia From Gaining Weight

Sudden weight gain, chronic coughing and heavy lifting can contribute to a hernia developing. People can prevent hernias by controlling coughing, avoiding muscle strain and losing weight. You should see a doctor before a hernia becomes serious. Surgery is the only way to permanently repair a hernia.

How Is A Hiatal Hernia Diagnosed

To diagnose a hiatal hernia, your doctor will first ask you about your symptoms and perform a physical exam.

If youre experiencing frequent heartburn or chest or abdominal pain, your doctor will probably order tests to look for the cause of your symptoms. These tests may include:

Barium Swallow After drinking a chalky liquid containing barium, youll undergo an X-ray which allows your doctor to see the outline of your upper digestive tract.

Upper Endoscopy

Esophageal Manometry This test measures muscle contractions in your esophagus when you swallow to assess its strength and muscle coordination.

PH Test A pH test measures the acid levels in your esophagus and can help determine whether your symptoms are related to acid reflux.

Gastric Emptying Studies

Don’t Miss: How To Get Rid Of Belly Bloat

Hiatal Hernia Is Frequently Undiagnosed Or Misdiagnosed

You can see in the diagram that the stomach should be found below the diaphragm. In a hiatal hernia, the stomach is elevated and pushing up against the diaphragm or, in more severe cases, the top of the stomach itself has stretched wide the opening as it has come up above the level of the diaphragm.

When severe such a hiatal hernia requires surgery to pull the stomach back below the diaphragm and sew up the enlarged opening. What we most often see with patients is a mild scenario, and therein lies the problem. When severe, no one is going to miss the need for surgery , but when the situation is mild, you cannot see it but that doesnt mean the patient doesnt feel the effects of it. And those effects can be quite severe and debilitating.

Types Of Pediatric Hernias

Hernias occur when part of an organ or other bodily tissue is pushed through a hole in the muscle that is supposed to contain it.

There are two main types we see in children: umbilical and inguinal. Umbilical hernias are found around the navel and inguinal hernias are found in or around the groin, Scheidler said.

Both types can be retractable, meaning that they only appear during times of muscle strain, before slipping back into place. But umbilical hernias are more likely to correct themselves as infants grow and strengthen in their first two years, while inguinal hernias tend to be the main source of complications and require surgery once theyre discovered.

The British Hernia Centre reports that 3 to 5 percent of all healthy, full-term babies are born with inguinal hernias, and up to 30 percent of all premature babies are born with the same condition. The incidence rate also is much higher for male infants, with boys accounting for 80 to 90 percent of cases.

You May Like: How To Differentiate Between Ibs And Colon Cancer

Also Check: Is Prune Juice Good For Ibs

Treatment Options For This Condition

This type of hernia wont go away on its own, and complications will eventually lead you to surgery. Surgery is the only way to repair an epigastric hernia. Its the recommended treatment, even for infants, due to the risk of the hernia enlarging and causing additional complications and pain.

To complete the repair, you might only need sutures, or you may require an implanted mesh. The use of mesh or sutures is determined by the size of the hernia and other factors.

Understanding The Upper Gut

The gut is the tube that starts at the mouth and ends at the back passage .

The upper gut includes the gullet , stomach and the first part of the small intestine . Food passes down the oesophagus into the stomach. The stomach makes acid which helps to digest food. After being mixed in the stomach, food passes into the duodenum to be digested by the digestive system.

Don’t Miss: Does Heartburn During Pregnancy Mean The Baby Has Hair

Do You Need Help With Your Health

We have the diagnostic and testing tools, the clinical experience, and a different medical approach to discovering the root cause of why you have the symptoms that are bothering you. As long as you are ready to make some dietary and lifestyle changes, we can help you. We will “hold your hand” through the changes, step by step, to make each step an easy one. We are located in Clearwater, FL, at 1000 S Ft Harrison, at the corner of Ft. Harrison Ave. and Magnolia St. There is plenty of parking space directly accessible from Ft Harrison. If it is not convenient for you to come to Root Cause Medical Clinic, we offer telehealth/telemedicine consultations to residents of certain states. Call us for details.

Contact us for a Consultation Call

How Do You Stop Bloating From A Hiatal Hernia

Tami Roxanne | Answered April 20, 2021 |

over-the-counter antacids include brands like Mylanta, Rolaids, and Tums

A Proven Holistic 5-Step System For Curing Acid Reflux and Heartburn & Achieving Lasting Freedom From Most Digestive DisordersCure Acid Reflux, End your Digestive Problems…… and Regain your Natural Inner Balance..!

Acid Reflux

Read Also: Can Anxiety Give You Diarrhea

What Causes Methanogenesis

So heres how it works. When we consume a type of carbohydrates called polysaccharides , the bacteria in the colon help to break down these molecules through a process called anaerobic metabolism resulting in H2 and CO2 .

Next, one of two processes can take place.

The first involves sulfate-reducing bacteria who use the hydrogen to reduce sulfate to sulfide, which are then eliminated in the stool.

The second involves methanogens, through the process of methanogenesis, who feed on the hydrogen to form CH4 at a 4:1 conversion rate meaning that for every 4 atoms of hydrogen consumed, one molecule of methane is formed. The methane can then be eliminated through the stool, or it can be absorbed via the circulatory system and exhaled through the breath.

Methanogenesis is not a new concept. For years, this process has been recognized in the agricultural world. Livestock studies that have found ruminant animals produce high amounts of methane due to a diet heavy in polysaccharides.

Why Youre Still Bloated

So whats behind this bloating and why is it so impossible to get rid of? The answer may surprise you

Its possible your bloating is caused by methane. Yes, were talking CH4, otherwise known by chemists as a colorless, odorless, volatile inert gas.

Methane is the main component of the natural gas you might use to power your stove or furnace.

But, humans can also produce methane in their intestines through a process called methanogenesis. And when this occurs, the result can be really uncomfortable gas and bloating.

Methanogenesis depends on the presence of a special type of bacteria in the colon called methanogens.

Recommended Reading: Does Metformin Give You Diarrhea

What Is A Hiatal Hernia

A hiatal hernia is when your stomach bulges up into your chest through an opening in your diaphragm, the muscle that separates the two areas. The opening is called the hiatus, so this condition is also called a hiatus hernia.

There are two main types of hiatal hernias: sliding and paraesophageal.

Ordinarily, your esophagus goes through the hiatus and attaches to your stomach. In a sliding hiatal hernia, your stomach and the lower part of your esophagus slide up into your chest through the diaphragm. Most people with hiatal hernias have this type.

A paraesophageal hernia is more dangerous. Your esophagus and stomach stay where they should be, but part of your stomach squeezes through the hiatus to sit next to your esophagus. Your stomach can become squeezed and lose its blood supply. Your doctor might call this a strangulated hernia.

Can You Fix A Hiatal Hernia Yourself

Hiatal hernia treatment often involves medication, surgery, or lifestyle changes. There are anecdotal stories that this at-home protocol may help push the stomach back down through the diaphragm:

• Drink a glass of warm water first thing in the morning.
• Stand on your tip toes and then drop down to your heels quickly enough for a good jolt. Do this 10 to 15 times.
• Finally, raise your arms up in the air and take short quick breaths through your mouth for 15 seconds.

Note: These steps are not backed by scientific evidence or studies. Before you try this method, talk with your healthcare professional for guidance.

Read Also: Can Metamucil Make Ibs Worse

Pain In The Pelvic Area

Because they rarely cause a bulge, some hernias in women are diagnosed as fibroids, ovarian cysts or endometriosis based on the region of pain. Although they may cause pain in the leg or back, a MRI is usually required to identify these small but very painful hernias.

Women are also prone to umbilical hernias near the belly button. A hearty laugh accompanied by pain can be a hidden sign of this type of hernia.

Symptoms Of Hiatal Hernia

Hiatal hernia symptoms can vary in nature and severity between people. Most people have no symptoms or complications. When symptoms occur, they often relate to acid reflux into the esophagus due to GERD. Symptoms can range in severity from mild to severe and include:

• acidic taste in the mouth

There are two main types of hiatal hernias:

• Sliding hiatal hernia: In this type, the junction of the esophagus and stomach and some of the stomach right below this junction slide up through the diaphragm. This is the most common type of hiatal hernia. It accounts for more than 95% of cases.
• Paraesophageal hiatal hernia : This type involves the stomach fundus. The fundus is the upper curved portion of the stomach. In PEH, part of the fundus sticks up through the diaphragm and sits beside the esophagus. The junction of the esophagus and stomach may or may not also slide through the diaphragm.

Read Also: How To Cure Heartburn Fast

What Is A Hernia Repair

At first, a hernia may not pose much of a problem and you may be able to live with a reducible hernia when you can push the hernia sac back in the opening if symptoms are mild. But the unfortunate reality is youll likely need surgery at some point. Hernias dont heal on their own. Surgery is a recommended option due to the potential future complications that may occur.

A hernia repair involves a general surgeon removing or pushing the hernia back in place before suturing the weakened abdominal wall, sometimes with the use of mesh as a reinforcement. They will either perform a minimally invasive surgery or open surgery.

Laparoscopic surgery: This minimally invasive surgery is typically done using tiny incisions to insert a small camera and surgical tools to allow for the insertion of surgical tools to complete the procedure. Recovery takes about two weeks.

Robotic hernia repair: Also a type of minimally invasive surgery, the surgeon uses a robotic device to control surgical instruments. Robotic hernia repairs provide surgeons with more control once theyre inside the body. Recovery takes about two weeks.

Open surgery: The most invasive surgery of the three, a larger incision is made at the hernia site to perform the repair. Recovery takes four to six weeks.

Hiatal Hernia Risk Factors

A number of factors increase the chance of developing a hiatal hernia. Not all people with risk factors will develop the condition. Factors linked to hiatal hernia include:

• age older than 50 years

• tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, and vinegar

Ask your doctor for guidance before making significant changes to your diet.

Recommended Reading: Does Heartburn Hurt In The Back

Types Of Hiatus Hernia

There are 2 main types of hiatus hernia.

Sliding hiatus hernia is the most common type, accounting for about 90 per cent of cases. It occurs when the junction between the oesophagus and the upper part of the stomach protrude up through the oesophageal opening in the diaphragm into the chest cavity. The herniated portion of the stomach can slide back and forth, into and out of the chest.

Rolling hiatus hernia is the other type. In this case, the junction of the oesophagus and stomach stays down within the abdomen, and the top part of the stomach bulges up into the chest cavity. This type of hernia normally remains in one place, sitting next to the oesophagus, and does not move in or out when you swallow.

What Causes Hiatal Hernia

Muscle weakness or loss of flexibility in the diaphragm may play a role. A 2021 article explains that some cases of hiatal hernia are the result of injury due to increased abdominal pressure. This could occur with heavy lifting or violent coughing, straining, or vomiting. It is possible for babies to be born with a hiatal hernia as well. This birth defect is called congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

Read Also: Can A Yeast Infection Cause Abdominal Pain And Bloating

Check If You Have A Hiatus Hernia

You can have a hiatus hernia without knowing and without it being a problem.

With a hiatus hernia you may:

• have a painful burning feeling in your chest, often after eating
• bring up small amounts of food or bitter-tasting fluids
• have bad breath

These are the symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease .

Bloating With Hiatus Hernia

Guest

hi im jon i found out i had hh in jan my symptons include terrific stomach bloating feeling as if i cant breathe massive balls of acid that i bring up not being able to keep some foods down just feeling generally unwell all the time its taking over my life completley i am now under a specialist he tried me some different medications but i feel as if they have not worked.as anyone got any more advice on medications or have got similar symptons as me.i feel as if i am on my own as i have never met anyone that as got the same symptons.

0 likes, 20 replies

Read Also: Can An Empty Stomach Cause Heartburn

What Causes A Hiatal Hernia

The most common cause of a hiatal hernia is an increase in pressure in the abdominal cavity. Your abdominal cavity is the space in the middle of your body that holds several organs, including the:

• Lower part of the esophagus and stomach.
• Small intestine, colon and rectum.

This pressure can build up from things like:

• Straining during a bowel movement.
• Physical strain.

There are also other reasons a hiatal hernia could develop. You may experience a hiatal hernia during pregnancy, if you have obesity, or if theres extra fluid in your abdomen.

Increased pressure in the abdomen causes part of the stomach to push through the diaphragm and into the chest cavity.

What Should You Avoid Doing If You Have A Hernia

Inguinal Hernia Prevention

Recommended Reading: What Causes Stomach Pain And Bloating

Recommended Reading: When Does Ibs Go Away

Hiatal Hernia Lifestyle Changes And Home Remedies

Some changes to your daily life can help with acid reflux symptoms. They include:

• Donât exercise or lie down for 3 or 4 hours after you eat.
• Avoid acidic foods like orange juice, tomato sauce, and soda.
• A diet of mashed and soft foods is recommended for up to 2-3 weeks after surgery.
• Limit fried and fatty foods, alcohol, vinegar, chocolate, and caffeine.
• Eat smaller meals and eat slowly.
• Lift the head of your bed about 6 inches.
• Donât wear tight belts or clothes that put pressure on your belly.
• Lose extra pounds.
• Donât smoke. Smoking is an intense heartburn generator.

Show Sources