A hiatal hernia develops when part of your stomach protrudes through an opening in your diaphragm, or the muscle that separates your abdomen from your chest cavity. Hiatal hernias are one of the most common types of hernia, and more than half of people over the age of 60 have one.
Some hiatal hernias are small, and it’s possible to have one without knowing it because they don’t always cause symptoms. However, some hiatal hernias are more serious and require medical attention.
Balaguru Sambandam, MD, FACS, and our surgical team at North Tarrant Health Providers specialize in hernia care in Fort Worth, Texas. We’re here to help you figure out if your hiatal hernia needs professional treatment.
Read on to learn more about hiatal hernias — and find out how serious they can be.
There are two main types of hiatal hernias: sliding hiatal hernias and paraesophageal hiatal hernias. A sliding hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of your stomach moves up into your chest through an opening in your diaphragm muscle.
A paraesophageal hiatal hernia is less common, and it happens when part of your stomach protrudes through the opening in your diaphragm that’s next to your esophagus.
Most of the time, hiatal hernias don’t cause noticeable symptoms at first. Symptoms may only develop if the hernia gets larger, and can include:
Acid reflux is the most common symptom of a hiatal hernia. Without proper treatment, severe acid reflux can damage your esophagus or lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other digestive problems.
Small hiatal hernias that don’t cause symptoms may not require treatment. But large or complicated hiatal hernias can lead to some potentially serious complications. Along with heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and other symptoms, severe hiatal hernias can also cause problems with the digestive system.
These complications can include:
Both vomiting blood and passing black stools can indicate gastrointestinal bleeding. In rare cases, hiatal hernias can lead to a condition called strangulation, in which the blood supply to the protruding part of the stomach is cut off. Strangulation is a life-threatening complication that requires emergency surgery.
If you think you have a hernia, it’s important to get a diagnosis from a doctor that specializes in hernias. No hernia will heal on its own, and seeking care early can help you avoid more serious complications.
Dr. Sambandam and our team typically diagnose hiatal hernias with a physical exam, imaging tests, and/or an endoscopy. We discuss treatment options based on your individual needs.
We may recommend watchful waiting for small hiatal hernias without symptoms. For mild to moderate hernias, lifestyle changes and medications can help manage symptoms and prevent complications. If your hiatal hernia is large or causing bothersome symptoms, we may recommend minimally invasive surgery to repair your hernia and prevent complications.
Hiatal hernias can range from mild to serious, depending on the size and location of your hernia and any symptoms you may have. If you think you have a hernia, don’t wait to get the care you need. Call us at 817-904-4165 to get started today, or click online to schedule an appointment at North Tarrant Health Providers any time.
