Hernia, hiatus – 2

Treatment for hiatus hernia
The following treatments can help resolve the symptoms of hiatus hernia:
Antacids – these are available in liquid or tablet (swallow-able or chewable) form and neutralize the acid in the oesophagus and stomach hence providing temporary relief from heartburn. It might be effective for everyone and is not a long-term solution for a persisting problem.
Acid suppressers – these are medications including famotidine, ranitidine and cimetidine and are referred to as H2 antagonists or histamine receptor blockers. These help in reducing the production of stomach acids.
Alginates are medicines containing a foaming agent which forms a frothy layer over the contents of the stomach, hence preventing the reflux of acids from stomach into the oesophagus and protecting the lining of the oesophagus.
Proton pump inhibitors or PPI’s are used for treating GORD which is a symptom of hiatus hernia. These reduce the acid produced by stomach lining.
Motility stimulants like metoclopramide and domperidone accelerate the rate at which the stomach gets emptied. They help in better functioning of the sphincter muscle to prevent reflux of stomach contents. These medications have side effects and should be taken under medical advice.
Surgery is a complicated procedure and is considered as the last resort in case the medications have no positive effect. It involves the part of the stomach to be put back in its own place and strengthening the diaphragm around the bottom of the oesophagus.
The best way to treat the symptoms is alteration in one’s lifestyle and taking antacids.
Prevention of hiatus hernia
The below measures can help in prevention of hiatus hernia
Eating small meals at shorter intervals
Have your meals much before sleeping time. Avoid intake of foods close to bed time
Lose weight if you are obese or overweight.
Avoid wearing tight-fitted clothes
Avoid rich foods which are spicy, hot and acidic and take longer to digest.
Do not smoke or drink alcohol
Raise the head area of the bed by few inches to reduce the acid reflux.
Complications of hiatus hernia:
A few complications include
GORD or gastro-oesophageal reflux disease due to stomach acids flowing into the oesophagus can cause ulceration and damage to the lining of the gullet. This can be painful, and in some cases, cause bleeding. It can also be a causal factor for anaemia in the affected person.
In few rare cases, the hiatus hernia can get knotted or strangulated thus preventing blood supply to the surrounding areas. This can be an emergency situation and require an immediate surgery.
A rare condition referred to as Barrett’s oesophagus can lead to changes in the cells around the lower part of the gullet, thus increasing the risk of oesophagus cancer.
Acid reflux lasting for long periods of time can, in some cases, lead to oesophagus cancer, although risk is quite low.
Acute inflammation that lasts for longer periods can lead to thinning and scarring of the oesophagus. This condition is called a stricture. It can be painful and adversely affect swallowing of food.