5 Foods to Keep Your Reflux at Bay

Acid reflux symptoms are common among both men and women. Often symptoms are queasy stomach, vomiting, dry cough, bad breath, difficulty swallowing, burning sensation in throat, and chest pain. There are many kinds of acid reflux treatments available for patients such as diet changes, medications, and surgery. Fortunately, you may be able to simply change your eating habits and effectively keep your reflux at bay. 

What causes acid reflux?  There are many different causes of acid reflux. One is being overweight because this puts pressure on the esophagus and stomach and how food is digested. Eating a diet that is high in sodium, acidic food, not enough fiber, and taking certain medications all contribute to acid reflux. Over consumption of beverages with caffeine is another cause.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a great snack because it has fiber and does not cause reflux. It can be eaten in the morning and is healthy which is always a plus. Typically, oatmeal leaves the person feeling full and satisfied. Oatmeal coats the stomach lining while soothing the stomach. It can be eaten as mid-morning or afternoon snack. Adding almond milk and lower fat milk is better for symptoms of acid reflux than heavy cream. Adding sliced bananas or fruit low in acid adds to the nutrition of the cereal.

Green Vegetables

Green vegetables are low in acid and packed with vitamins and nutrients.  Vegetable that are low in acid are celery, broccoli, asparagus, green beans and cauliflower. Other vegetable in the group are cabbage, pumpkin, spinach, cucumber, and greens. A side dish of steamed vegetables can make a delicious meal. You can make salads with fresh vegetables and use salad dressing without vinegar or lemon juice. Overall most vegetables are low in acid and good for symptoms of acid reflux.

Lean Poultry and Meats

Leans cut of poultry and turkey can be broiled, grilled, baked, and steamed. The skin should be removed because it is high in fat and this causes acid reflux. Stay away from fried chicken and meats. This is because the meats are fried in fat. Even lean pieces of pork and beef can be broiled, baked and grilled without causing reflux. Reduce the size of portions to 3 or 4 ounces.

Fresh Fruits

Eat fresh fruits that are low in acid like bananas, melons, apples and pears. They can be cut in slices, added to cereal or yogurt for great snack any time of day. You can take bananas, apples and pears easily to work for lunch. Avoid acidic fruits and juices. Don’t forget fruits provide the body with plenty of vitamins and nutrients.

Complex Carbohydrates

Whole grain breads like whole wheat, pumpernickel and rye add fiber to your diet. Look at the label the first ingredients should be flour used. These breads have more vitamins and nutrients than processed breads. Brown rice and whole grains add more nutrition to your diet. Potatoes have healthy carbs and fiber that is easy to digest. Don’t add ingredients to the potato that aggravate acid reflux.

Eating foods that reduce acid reflux is one type of acid reflux treatment. These foods will alleviate some of the symptoms and cause less frequent acid reflux occurrences. When diet and lifestyle don’t help it is time to contact a doctor to learn more about medications and surgeries for acid reflux. 

By Joan Russell

Acid Reflux Surgeries That Can Change Your Life

Symptoms of acid reflux can make everyday life miserable. It is often a burning sensation in your chest followed by sour taste in the mouth. It can result in difficulty swallowing, belching, regurgitation of food, and a dry cough. When lifestyle changes, diet, and medications do not work, acid reflux surgery often will.

Laparoscopic surgery

The most common form of surgery performed for acid reflux is called a fundoplication. It is when a portion of the stomach is wrapped around the esophagus to strengthen the muscle. These surgeries are performed today with minimally invasive techniques. It is called laparoscopic surgery. It involves inserting a small thin camera and thin operating instruments into the body. Several small incisions are made in the abdomen and the instruments are inserted through these small incisions.

The benefits of this surgery are a much shorter recovery time, less chance of getting infections, faster return to work, and less pain in recovery. These are all tremendous benefits of this type of surgery. There are a growing number of new incision-less surgeries for acid reflux using endoscopy. It is an instrument inserted through the mouth and into the stomach.

Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication Surgery

A TIF is an incisionless fundoplication. Often a device called a Espophx is inserted through the mouth. It is designed to create folds near the base of the esophagus. The forms a new valve in the esophagus. It helps to reduce acid reflux symptoms and does not have a long recovery time.

LINX System

The LINX system is a form of surgery that places a small band of beads around the lower esophagus. It is implanted. The patient is sedated and the beads are implanted using the laparoscopy technique. During the procedure they have to measure the esophagus to find the right size device to use. They place a necklace like tool around the esophagus and measure the diameter. After the measurement the device is removed the LINX bracelet is inserted.

The benefits of this surgery are that most patients can return home in one day. It improves acid reflux symptoms. Often patients do not have to take medications any longer. Patients can resume a normal diet following surgery.  There are minimal side effect and pain. There is a shorter time span when recovering so patients can return to work more quickly or daily routines.

Benefits of Acid Reflux Surgery

The good news is that chronic heartburn can be relieved with acid reflux surgery. The new surgeries are non-invasive which means less pain and chance of infection after the procedure. In many case the patient does not have to take medications because the surgery relieves the symptoms associated with acid reflux surgery. With less time to recover patients can return to work or normal activities more quickly. These are the many benefits and why acid reflux surgery will change your life.

By Joan Russell

7 Foods That Cause Heartburn

Do you wake up at night with a burning sensation in your throat or chest or feel nauseous often after eating? If so, you're not alone. Many men and women get heartburn weekly or several times a year. So, what is heartburn? It is a sour taste in the mouth, chest pain, and a sour stomach often caused by weak muscles in the esophagus. Avoiding certain foods can help ease heartburn brought on by stress. What are the seven type of food that cause heartburn and why?

Fried Foods

Foods high in fat like fried foods are brutal for acid reflux. That is because they take longer to digest which puts pressure on the stomach and esophagus. Fried foods like fish, chicken, french fries, and meat should be avoided because they produce painful heartburn symptoms. It is better to eat broiled or grilled fish, chicken, and meats.

Spicy Foods

Spicy foods often produce acid in your stomach which causes heartburn. Spicy foods are often foods that use hot pepper, chilies, spices with heat like chili powder, and hot pepper flakes. Mexican foods are often very spicy as well as, Indian, and even some types of Chinese and Italian foods. When you find a spicy meal that gives you heartburn it is better to avoid it or eat smaller amounts.  

Tomatoes

Fresh and canned tomatoes are very acidic which can trigger heartburn. Sauces, salsas, and dishes with tomato may have to be substituted with other ingredients until you find a way to get your heartburn symptoms under control.

Chocolate

Although everyone loves chocolate it contains caffeine and other stimulants that cause heartburn. It is high in fat an ingredient that triggers heartburn as it is hard to digest. It contains cocoa another ingredient that causes heartburn.

Soda and Carbonated Beverages

The bubbles in soda or the carbonation expands in the stomach and causes heartburn. Sodas with caffeine are acidic and this adds more pressure to the stomach to digest something that is not good. Better to avoid soda and carbonated beverages with acid reflux.

High Fat Dairy Products

Butter, crème, and cheese are high in fat. Fat does not digest well and leads to heartburn symptoms. Try to use these products in small amounts as part of the flavor of a dish not the main ingredients.

Citrus

Citrus fruits with Vitamin C are often very acidic. These popular fruits are often used in beverages and to make juices. Cut back or avoid lemons, limes, oranges, pineapple, and grapefruit. They lead to increased acid production in the stomach and consequently heartburn.

When heartburn symptoms come often it’s important to see a doctor. There are medications and non-invasive surgeries that work well to cure heartburn causes. Cut back on these food but see a doctor if this does not help. 

By Joan Russell

What is Barrett’s Esophagus?

Barrett’s Esophagus may sound like an instrument played in a band, but I assure you it is not musical, fun, or poetic. In fact, doctors are kind of stumped on what the dang thing is anyway. One thing they do know is that Barrett’s Esophagus is a serious complication of GERD. GERD is a chronic digestive disease that occurs when stomach acid trails back into your food pipe (esophagus) and the backwash aggravates the lining of your esophagus and causes GERD.

What are the symptoms?

So now we know that Barrett’s Esophagus is a severe problem of GERD, which actually means gastroesophageal reflux disease (I know, you could have gone the rest of your life without hearing that word.) On the other hand, these over-rated terms might just save your life. The thing is, Barrett’s Esophagus does not have any specific symptoms, so that’s a tricky one, but his cousin, acid reflux disease, does possess some unhealthy attributes like heartburn, indigestion, abdomen pain, nausea after eating and even regurgitation.

Is it dangerous?

In Barrett’s Esophagus, you have the tube (esophagus) in your body that carries food from the mouth to the stomach, and normal tissue lining of the esophagus may begin to alter to appear like the lining of the intestine. Now around ten percent of people can develop chronic symptoms of GERD and develop Barrett’s Esophagus. Patients with Barrett’s Esophagus have a chance of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma (just as unpleasant as it sounds) because it’s a possible fatal cancer of the esophagus. However, on a brighter note, the disease is rare with less than one percent of people with Barrett’s Esophagus possessing this type of cancer.

How will I know if I have Barrett’s Esophagus?

As with GERD, which is related to Barrett’s Esophagus, silent reflux symptoms tend to affect the larynx, as opposed to the esophagus. Often times doctors may overlook silent reflux because it has similar symptoms like post nasal drip, a lump in the throat, hoarseness or a persistent cough that many other diseases may contain. And for that reason, it is highly-recommended that you consult with a specialist to discover if you have silent reflux. It is often misdiagnosed and affects close to fifty million Americans today. The back flow of stomach acid and digestive enzymes (pepsin) will cause a lot of damage to your esophagus, which can cause cancer.

It is important to note that anyone can develop Barrett’s Esophagus, but white males who have had a history of dealing with GERD are more prone to acquire it. GERD does not always cause Barrett’s Esophagus, but a person who has had it for a long time is at a higher risk. If you have symptoms resembling trouble swallowing, blood in your stool, persistent symptoms despite medical therapy, or new chest pain, it would be advised that you should discuss these symptoms with your doctor and have an endoscopic examination.

By Preston Copeland

What is Indigestion?

I’m sure every one of us has felt that full and uncomfortable sensation that leaves us feeling less than perfect after a large and delicious meal. This is indigestion and it is often the underlying sign of a more serious problem GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease. If left untreated GERD can cause lasting issues in the esophagus, including bleeding, irritation and swelling, and trouble swallowing.

Indigestion is also referred to as dyspepsia, and according to WebMD it’s defined as, “persistent or reoccurring pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen.” All treatment for indigestion varies on the severity, duration of discomfort, and symptoms. Below you will find 8 symptoms associated with indigestion.

Indigestion Symptoms

1.    Bloating

2.    Belching & gas

3.    Nausea & vomiting

4.    Acid taste in mouth

5.    Fullness during and/or after a meal

6.    Growling noises in the stomach

7.    Burning sensation in the stomach

8.    Stomach pain

Indigestion and heartburn are commonly associated with one another as they are often experienced at the same time. Remember heartburn actually doesn’t have anything to do with the heart, but it can feel like a heart attack to some. If this is happening to you, remain calm after eating and see your doctor for treatment. Unfortunately indigestion causes can be commonly misinterpreted with heartburn. To clarify, here are the 7 most common indigestion causes:

Indigestion Causes

1.    Ulcers

2.    GERD

3.    Stomach Infections

4.    Irritable Bowel Syndrome

5.    Thyroid Disease

6.    Gastric Cancer

7.    Overeating

While there are many causes of indigestion, there are also many treatments. Besides drinking lots of water, exercise; take a look at the 5 rules below you can follow to treat and beat indigestion.

Indigestion Treatment

1.    Avoid alcohol

2.    Don’t smoke

3.    Relax after meals

4.    Avoid spicy foods

5.    Reduce air intake during meals by chewing with your mouth closed/eating slow

Indigestion is everyone’s worse nightmare, but it shouldn’t be. There are many ways to alter your lifestyle and improve indigestion. Taking better care of your body and eating right is the first step in improving indigestion. If you are receiving treatment and have not seen any results consult with your doctor about changing your medicine. No one should have to miss out on spicy Thai food.

By Maren Burns

Understanding Why Pregnancy Causes Reflux

The miracle of life can have some uncomfortable side effects; bloating, fatigue, soreness, etc. However, many people don't realize that there is another side effect that you may experience. Unfortunately, this hidden side effect is pregnancy heartburn. Severe acid reflux can happen to anyone when stomach acid passes back into the esophagus from the stomach. However, pregnancy creates the perfect storm in the body which increase your chances of heartburn.

Pregnancy lowers your gastrointestinal motility.

“During pregnancy, the smooth muscle of the body relaxes because of hormones and these can worsen acid reflux by reducing the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter causing more GERD to occur,” says Dr. Faisal Bhinder, a leading gastroenterologist at Capital Digestive Care.  “In addition with reduced gastrointestinal motility the acidic contents of the stomach don’t move out of the stomach quickly enough causing a greater chance of the contents to reflux into the esophagus.”

Pregnancy can increase reflux severity. 

So while you are bringing a beautiful child into the world, you may also feel like an angry, fire-breathing dragon. The size of your bundle of joy may also impact the severity of acid reflux. “When the fetus occupies more space in the abdomen that can increase pressure on stomach contents to reflux upwards into the esophagus,” says Dr. Bhinder.

Be prepared during the third trimester, as this is the time that the fetus places the most pressure on the mother’s stomach and intestines. To stave off indigestion during pregnancy as long as possible give these tips a try:

1.     Sit upright for an hour after each meal

2.     Graze during the day rather than eating large meals

3.     Avoid foods that may inflame your stomach such as spicy meals

If you're dealing with reflux, don't worry! You're not alone. Although pregnancy reflux can be incredibly uncomfortable, it definitely isn't something that you have to simply suffer through. There are various treatments and prevention tactics that can alleviate or eliminate side effects. If you're dealing with reflux during your pregnancy, contact your doctor to figure out how to effectively manage your reflux.

By Meagan Bates

What Type of Doctor Treats Heartburn?

A doctor that treats chronic heartburn or GERD is a specialist called a gastroenterologist. Your regular doctor will often refer you when you have severe symptoms of chronic heartburn that disrupt every day routines. The good news is that you don’t have to suffer that are many treatments that help with chronic heartburn and GERD.

Types of Tests Used for Heartburn and GERD

A gastroenterologist will often take X-rays after you have taken a liquid that helps the images show up better. They often look at the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the stomach.  One type of liquid used is called a barium swallow.

Sometimes the doctor performs an upper GI endoscopy. After being sedated, they will put a flexible tube down your throat. It has a tiny camera attached that allows the doctor to see the damage done to the esophagus and severe damage from GERD. He can take samples, make a diagnosis, and even treat some symptoms immediately.

An esophageal manometry is a test that measures the functioning of the lower esophageal muscle and motor functioning of the esophagus. This test often is performed with a 24 hour ph probe study. A thin tube is placed in your esophagus for 24 hours. It monitors acid reflux production for 24 hours, even while you sleep!

Another test called an ambulatory ph test which is used to test for causes of heartburn and GERD. A sensor is placed in the esophagus that sends radio wave to a ph receiver carried by patient. It is like carrying a cell phone. The device can be carried on a belt or strap. This test usually lasts around 48 hours. Patients can drive, go to work, and eat meals during the testing phase. Acid medications must be stopped after the tests.

The capsule placed inside the body detaches after it is placed about two days and passes harmlessly through the body. A nasal capsule can be placed for 24 hour but it is less effective than the other.

Treatments Used by the Gastroenterologist

After diagnosis the doctor may treat you with medications that help stop the production of stomach acid. These medications for the acid reflux often heal the pain in two weeks or less. When the patient has erosion PPI‘s are the most effective medication to take. They are acid suppressive drugs that stop production of acid not just neutralize it.

When medications do not work the gastroenterologist will often perform surgery. The good news is that many procedures are non-invasive. Many have short recovery time and relieve the need to keep taking medications for GERD and severe heartburn. 

By Joan Russell

Side Effects of Reflux Medications

Most over the counter drugs and prescription reflux medications have side effects. Talking with your doctor about the effects and finding a way to deal with them is the best solution. If you're experiencing extreme symptoms, don't feel as if you are defeated. There are other options for treating reflux like lifestyle changes and non-invasive surgery. 

Common Over the Counter Antacids

There are over 100 different over the counter antacids for heartburn and reflux. Sodium bicarbonate antacids like Alka Seltzer contain baking soda and aspirin. If you have high blood pressure or are on a low sodium diet, avoid these medicines. Calcium carbonate medications like Tums and Alka Mints often cause constipation. Aluminum based drugs can cause constipation, calcium loss, and kidney problems in some patients. Magnesium based antacids, such as Milk of Magnesia, may cause diarrhea. However, combinations of aluminum and magnesium based antacids are less likely to cause constipation or diarrhea.

H2 Blockers

The most common over the counter acid reflux medications and prescriptions that decrease the amount of acid produced by the stomach are called H2 blockers. They are Zantac, Pepcid, Tagamet, and Axid. They have been in use since the 1960’s and have minor side effects. Some of the side effects are nausea, headaches, constipation, dizziness, and diarrhea. Although they often help with side effects, they do not cure GERD symptoms.

Proton Pump Inhibitors

Proton Pump Inhibitors come in over the counter and prescription form and reduce stomach acid produced in the stomach. Long term use has been found to cause bone loss and lead to breaks and fractures in the elderly. In some patients they lead to loss of vitamin B-12 and iron. Another side effect to be cautious of is an increased the risk of infections. Doctors strongly advise taking calcium supplements and eating a diet rich in iron and Vitamin B-12 if using proton pump inhibitors.

Common prescription drugs are Nexium, Dexilant, Prilosec, Zegerid, and Vivimo. Over the counter proton pump inhibitors are Prilosec, Zegerid and Prevacid. It is advised not to stay on these medications for extended periods of time. However, this should be discussed with your doctor. Some doctor recommend taking a minimum dose until more research studies are completed. However, proton pump inhibitors are considered one of the more successful GERD medications.

Lifestyle Changes and Natural Remedies for Reflux

As with most health related issues, your life style plays a significant role in your health. There are various ways to cut out unhealthy habits and incorporate healthier alternatives. You'll most likely see a difference in your symptoms if you follow these natural remedies for acid reflux.

• If you are currently overweight, focus on reaching your healthy body weight. Excessive weight often puts pressure on the stomach causing acid to back up in the esophagus. 
• Avoid acidic foods that causes heartburn such as tomatoes, spicy foods, anything fried, caffeine, fatty foods and too much alcohol. 
• Eat smaller meals and don’t lie down after a meal for several hours. 
• If you're a smoker, kick the unhealthy habit asap.  

Most reflux medication and GERD medications work well but have some side effects. Discussing the problem with your doctor is the best solution for this problem. Often dealing with side effects means changing your diet, taking supplements, or finding different medications that works for you. Everyone is different, so it make take a little time to find what works best for you, but don't give up.

By Joan Russell

What Happens If You Don't Treat GERD?

That burn in your throat after a hearty meal may seem like an uncomfortable annoyance easily solved by some Pepto-Bismol, but severe forms of heartburn, or GERD, can actually cause damage to your teeth, mouth, and esophagus when left untreated. GERD symptoms are pretty easy to identify because the discomfort of acidic stomach juices bubbling up your throat will quickly land you straight at your local gastroenterologist seeking GERD medications. However, it is important to closely follow your physician’s treatment plan so that a small problem does not grow into a more serious complication.

 “Untreated frequent and refractory GERD can lead to esophageal ulceration, ulcerative esophagitis with risk of significant bleeding, esophageal strictures, Barrett’s esophagus or in rare cases even esophageal cancer,” says Dr. Faisal Bhinder, a leading gastroenterologist at Capital Digestive Care.

As further incentive to treat your GERD with the guidance of a physician, we've decided to list out the various effects of leaving GERD untreated. Here's 5 symptoms you may experience if you choose not to act quickly.

1.  Esophageal ulcerations

Esophageal ulcerations are open sores at the bottom of the esophagus that often leads to discomfort behind the breastbone caused by the rapid erosion of the esophagus lining.  

2.     Ulcerative esophagitis

Ulcerative esophagitis with risk of bleeding is a rare complication that occurs in approximately eight percent of GERD sufferers when ulcers in the esophagus cause bloody vomiting.

3.     Esophageal stricture

Esophageal stricture is when inflammation from stomach acid causes the esophagus to narrow. If untreated, this narrowing can block food and liquid from reaching the stomach.

4.     Barret's esophagus

Barret’s esophagus is a more serious GERD complication when the esophagus lining is transformed into cells that resemble intestinal lining. This condition slightly increases the risk of developing cancer in the esophagus.

5.     Esophageal cancer

Esophageal cancer is an uncommon but possible side effect of untreated GERD. Cancer can develop in two forms, squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, which may effect all or part of the esophagus.

The effects of untreated GERD can manifest serious complications. GERD is a condition that is certainly uncomfortable, but when you visit a doctor it can easily be treated. Just remember to avoid any foods and other factors that may trigger your GERD and follow your physician’s treatment plan to avoid developing unnecessary complications. 

By Meagan Bates

Minimally Invasive Treatments For GERD

GERD is a condition where food and liquids from the stomach leak into the esophagus due to weak muscles. It causes heartburn, burping, nausea, sour taste in the mouth and more.  Suffering from GERD often disrupts your daily routine.  When lifestyle changes and medications do not work, the good news is there are several new minimally invasive treatments or surgeries available for GERD.

STRETTA

Stretta is an outpatient procedure for GERD that takes about one hour. After a few days the patient returns to normal activities.  It has no stitches, implants, or incisions.  The patient is sedated during the procedure and a specialist inserts a tube down the throat. It will connect to the muscles that connect the throat to the stomach.

The device is made up of a flexible cather with balloon basket assembly with a nickel titanium needle that delivers radio frequency energy to the esphospgal wall and LES area.  The device releases water so there is no heat damage to the body. It strengthens the weakened muscles so there is less occurrence of acid reflux. It is said to improve symptoms for up to 10 years and reduce the need to take medications.

The electrode at the end of device heats the esophageal tissue and creates tiny cuts. It forms scar tissue that blocks nerves that cause reflux. This procedure also strengthens the muscle too.

Other Non-Invasive Treatments

GERDsymptoms  that are not treatable by diet changes and medications are often the reason patients want to try minimally invasive surgeries or treatments. Below are a few other types.

TIF is known as Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication, and it creates a barrier between the stomach and esophagus. The barrier helps prevent GERD symptoms.  It does not require any incision. A device called the EsophyX is inserted into the mouth that goes down the throat to the esophagus. The treatment creates a fold in the esophagus that forms a new valve.  The device has a small camera and surgical device attached.

The patient is sedated, as this is still a form of surgery.  The device is directed to the junction of the esophagus and stomach. The surgeon uses plastic sutures to lengthen and make stronger the junction where the esophagus and stomach meet.  This procedure takes less than an hour but requires an overnight hospital stay. Recovery time is relatively short.

LINX Surgery uses a special device called a linx. It is a ring that is made of very small titanium beads that are inserted around the lower esophagus sphincter.  It is minimally invasive surgery that requires sedation. The doctor uses a larscopty a device that is inserted into the abdomen using very small incisions. To select the right size linx, the eshpogus must be measured.  It is measured using a tool that resembles a necklace around the esophagus tube at LES and measuring the diameter.

After that the measurement device is removed and the linx device is implanted. It is a less invasive form of acid reflux surgery, and often patients return home the same day or next day. Recovery time is much faster than traditional surgery. This procedure takes less than an hour.

Minimally invasive forms of surgery for GERD are designed for patients where lifestyle changes or medications do not work. They are also for patients that want to stop medications as a way of management. When symptoms disrupt your daily routine, the good news is there is acid reflux surgery that is minimally invasive that works. 

Written by: Joan Russell

6 Things To Know About Hiatal Hernias

A hiatal hernia often happens when a part of your stomach pushes up through the diaphragm into the chest area.  The diaghram has a small opening that the food tube or esophagus passes through that connects to your stomach.  A large hiatal hernia causes food and acid to splash up into esophagus causing heartburn, belching, and difficulty swallowing, and, feeling full after meals.  Although hernias aren't incredibly common, there are a few things you'll want to know about them.

1. There Are Two Types of Hiatal Hernias

A sliding hiatal hernia is when the esophagus slides up into the chest through the hiatus opening.  This is the most common type of hiatal hernia. The second is paraesphogael hernia, often called a fixed hernia.  This type causes more problems for patients.  It is when part of the stomach squeezes through the hiatus opening, putting it near the esophagus. Often this type has no symptoms but the danger is that the blood supply to the stomach can be cut off.

Hiatal hernias often cause acid reflux and GERD symptoms, but not everyone with a hiatal hernia gets these diseases.  They are more common in overweight men and women and smokers.  

2. Lots of Things Can Cause Hiatal Hernias

The causes of hiatal hernias are injury to the area or an overly large hiatus. Persistent coughing, vomiting, or straining during a bowel movement is another cause. This condition plays a role in acid reflux and GERD.  When you develop a hiatal hernia you often have symptoms of GERD.  This is a condition that should be treated by a doctor.

3. There Are Many Tests for Hiatal Hernias

Blood tests are given to get a blood count to see if the patient is anemic from blood loss. Another test your doctor may give you is an esphogram barium swallow. During this test the patient drinks a chalky liquid that coats the entire digestive track. That way the doctor can see your esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine.

 Another test performed is an endoscopy where a tube is passed down the throat with a small light and video camera that checks the esophagus and stomach for inflammation. Manometry is another test used when a small cather like tube is passed through the nose into the stomach and esophagus. It measures movement and pressure in the esophagus.

4. Lifestyle Changes Are Important

When diagnosed with a mild hiatal hernia, lifestyle changes may solve the problem. Even if you have acid reflux or GERD this applies.  You should lose weight and try to maintain a healthy weight for yourself.  Eat moderate to small portions of food and avoid acidic and fatty foods.  Don’t lie down until three to four hours after a meal.  Avoid late night bedtime snacks.  Take over the counter antacids for symptoms.

5. Medications Can Be Used to Treat Hiatal Hernias

In mild cases your doctor will suggest over the counter medications like antacids that provide quick relief.  Other medication, both over the counter and prescription, that reduce stomach acid are called H-2 recpetors blockers.  Proton Pump inhibitors block acid production and help the esophagus to heal. In the case of patients with GERD this is often prescribed.

6. Surgery Is An Option

In severe cases surgery may be the only option.  Sometimes it can be performed by a less invasive type of surgery called laparoscopic surgery.  It is faster and has a quicker recovery rate than traditional surgery.  The surgery involves strengthening the weak esophageal muscles and putting the stomach back in place and making the hiatus smaller.  Often acid reflux surgery  is the less invasive type.

The benefits of laparoscopic surgery are less pain and quicker healing time. It has shorter hospital stays and a quicker return to work. This type of surgery is not for everyone. The doctors use small incisions to enter the abdomen and carbon monoxide to inflate the stomach to see well.  The operation is performed with small instruments and the device has a small video camera.  This surgery is not for everyone, for some patients traditional surgery is the only option.

The good news is that surgery is very rarely needed for this condition. A hiatal hernia can cause symptoms that interfere with everyday activities. With simple lifestyle changes or medication you can control the symptoms and enjoy life again. 

Written by: Joan Russell