| Description | | | | the stomach, eating smaller meals late in the evening, |
| In between the mouth and the stomach, the | | | | and avoiding snacking-all of which can worsen |
| esophagus passes through an opening in the | | | | irritation of the esophagus and stomach. |
| diaphragm called the hiatus. If the tissue around the | | | | A number of medications can improve symptoms. |
| hiatus weakens, part of the stomach or esophagus | | | | These include antacids, Hz receptor blockers (Zantac, |
| may push through the opening into the chest | | | | Pepcid, Tagamet), omeprazole (Prilosec) and asapride |
| cavity-a condition known as a hiatal hernia. | | | | (Propulsid). Surgery is required to repair the condition |
| While many people with hiatal hernias do not even | | | | only in situations where the pain is very severe and |
| know that they have the condition, it can be | | | | all other conservative methods have failed. |
| problematic if left untreated. Because the valve that | | | | Complementaryand Alternative Treatments |
| separates the esophagus and stomach is weakened, | | | | Nutrition and Supplementation |
| stomach acid can move backward into the | | | | Heartburn is a symptom of a hiatal hernia. Drink a |
| esophagus and cause pain and inflammation. This is | | | | glass of water every three hours during the day, |
| known as reflux esophagitis, and is the cause of | | | | whether or not you're thirsty. At the first sign of |
| most symptoms related to hiatal hernia. | | | | heartburn, drink a large glass of water. This should |
| The cause of this weakening of the hiatus is | | | | relieve the discomfort. |
| unknown. Researchers believe that increased | | | | Rather than eating three large meals, eat smaller |
| pressure in the abdomen-caused by obesity or other | | | | meals throughout the day. Avoid spicy, fatty, and |
| factors-stresses the tissue, causing it to weaken or | | | | fried foods, and stay away from coffee, alcohol, tea, |
| tear. | | | | and cola. A high-fiber diet prevents constipation and |
| Signs and Symptoms | | | | the resulting straining. Nutritionists recommend the |
| In many cases, hiatal hernias produce no symptoms. | | | | following daily supplements:proteolytic enzymes plus |
| If symptoms are present, they usually include: | | | | pancreatin (as directed on label)-improves digestion |
| Heartburn | | | | (Do not give to children.)papaya enzyme (2 tablets 3 |
| Pain in the upper abdomen that may radiate into the | | | | or more times daily)-aids digestion and healing; use |
| neck; especially after large meals or when lying down | | | | chewable tablet formzinc (50 mg, not to exceed a |
| Conventional Medical Treatment | | | | total of 100 mg from all supplements)-repairs tissue; |
| Because the majority of hiatal hernias are | | | | use lozenge formvitamin A (50,000 IU for 1 month, |
| asymptomatic, a great number go undetected. | | | | then 30,000 IU for 2 weeks, then reduce to 20,000 |
| Fortunately, a small hiatal hernia is unlikely to cause | | | | IU; do not exceed 8000 IU daily if you are |
| any health problems and is not considered dangerous. | | | | pregnant)-combats excess acid; use emulsion |
| If you are experiencing discomfort that may be | | | | formvitamin B complex (100 mg twice daily, with |
| associated with a hiatal hernia, see your physician, | | | | meals)-aids in proper absorption of nutrientsvitamin C |
| who can take a barium X-ray of the area to locate | | | | (up to 1500 mg)-builds immunity and heals tissues |
| the hernia. A physician may first recommend sleeping | | | | (Consult your healthcare provider regarding the |
| with your head propped up to keep food down in | | | | duration of treatment. |