Description
Part of the stomach protrudes upward into the chest, through an opening in the diaphragm. The diaphragm is the muscle separating the chest from the abdomen and is used for breathing. The hiatal hernia can allow acid to enter the esophagus causing pain and ulceration of the esophagus.
Symptoms
A hiatal hernia may cause no symptoms. However, chest pain, pain with swallowing, belching, and heartburn (gastro-esophageal reflux disease, GERD) are common.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. An EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy), or CT scan may be helpful to confirm the diagnosis although a hiatal hernia can often be seen on a routine chest x-ray.
Tests:
CT Scan, Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
Other Specific Tests: Esophagram
Specialists:
Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric Gastroenterology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. An EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy), or CT scan may be helpful to confirm the diagnosis although a hiatal hernia can often be seen on a routine chest x-ray.
Tests:
CT Scan, Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
Other Specific Tests: Esophagram
Specialists:
Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric Gastroenterology
Treatment
Treatment includes: proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole/Prilosec, pantoprazole/Protonix), H2 blockers (cimetidine/Tagamet, ranitidine/Zantac), and/or antacids. It is recommended to avoid eating just prior to lying down to sleep, and raising the head of the bed to prevent acid from entering the esophagus. Surgery is performed for persistent and severe cases.