Esophageal diaphragmatic hernia
An esophageal hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm. The diaphragm normally has a small opening through which the esophagus passes to join the stomach A portion of the stomach can push through this opening and cause a diaphragmatic hiatal hernia.
In most cases, a small hernia does not cause problems, and you may not even know it is there until your doctor finds it by accident.
A large hernia can cause food and acid to back up into the esophagus, causing heartburn. Self-medication and medication can relieve these symptoms, but sometimes surgery is necessary for very large hernias.
An esophageal hiatal hernia occurs when weakened muscle tissue allows the stomach to push through the diaphragm. It is often not known what causes it, but pressure on the stomach and age-related changes in the diaphragm can cause an esophageal hiatal hernia.
How an Esophageal Hiatal Hernia Occurs Your diaphragm is a large, dome-shaped muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity. Normally, the esophagus passes through the diaphragmatic esophageal opening on its way to the stomach.
Esophageal diaphragmatic hernia develops when the muscle tissue around this opening weakens and the upper part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity.
Possible causes of esophageal diaphragmatic hernia Possible causes of esophageal diaphragmatic hernia are:
- Trauma in the area of the opening
- Disorder with pathologically large esophageal opening
Most small hernias do not cause any signs or symptoms The following signs and symptoms may occur with a large hernia:
- Heartburn
- Grunting
- Difficulty swallowing
- Chest or abdominal pain
- Feeling full after eating
- Blood in the mouth or
When to see a doctor See a doctor if you have any signs or symptoms for a long time
