Hiatus hernia
A hiatus hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes upward through the diaphragm. The diaphragm normally has a small opening (hiatus) through which the food tube (esophagus) passes on its way to connect to the stomach. The stomach can push up through this opening and causes a hiatus hernia. In most cases, a small hiatus hernia doesn't cause problems, and one may never know that he/ she has a hiatus hernia unless the doctor discovers it when checking for another condition. But a large hiatus hernia can allow food and acid to back up into the esophagus, leading to heartburn. Self-care measures or medications can usually relieve these symptoms, although a very large hiatus hernia sometimes requires surgery.Symptoms :Most small hiatus hernias cause no signs or symptoms. However, larger hiatus hernias can cause signs and symptoms such as:
. Heartburn
. Regurgitation of food
. Difficulty in swallowing
. Chest or abdominal pain
. Feeling especially full after meals
Causes :
A hiatus hernia occurs when weakened muscle tissue allows the stomach to bulge up through your diaphragm. The pressure on the stomach and age-related changes in the diaphragm may contribute to the formation of a hiatus hernia.