|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
Hiatal hernia |
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Hiatal hernia
When one part of the body protrudes through an opening into another part of the body, a hernia occurs. Hiatal hernias - also known as diaphragmatic hernias - form at the opening (hiatus) in diaphragm where the food pipe (esophagus) joins the stomach. When the muscle tissue around the hiatus becomes weak, the upper part of your stomach may bulge through the diaphragm into your chest cavity. Complications Sometimes a hiatal hernia becomes so large that as much as one-third or more of your stomach protrudes through your diaphragm. This can exert pressure on your lungs or diaphragm. In addition, some large hiatal hernias may create friction that causes lesions (Cameron erosions) in your upper stomach. If severe, these lesions can bleed and lead to iron deficiency anemia from chronic blood loss. Pain, bloating and possible obstruction of your esophagus may occur if the portion of your stomach that protrudes into the chest cavity becomes twisted. In rare cases, nearly your entire stomach may protrude into your chest cavity, causing restricted blood flow to your stomach. This can produce severe chest pain and difficulty swallowing. If this occurs, see your doctor without delay. You may require urgent surgical repair of the hernia. The most common complication of hiatal hernia, however, is probably GERD. At one time it was thought that hiatal hernias caused most cases of GERD. Now doctors believe that usually only larger hiatal hernias play a role. Recurrent GERD itself can lead to complications, including:
Hiatal hernia > 1 > 2 > 3 > 4
Related Site:
Treatments Treatments Programs:
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
