Smaller hiatal hernias usually do not cause any problems, one of the reasons why diagnosing one can prove to be quite difficult. Most hiatal hernias are detected by accident during the course of other investigations. However, a large hiatal hernia can cause gastric reflux, that is, the backing up of food and stomach acids from the stomach into the esophagus. These symptoms can usually be relieved with the help of antacids though in the case of really large hiatal hernias, surgery may be required.
The medications that may be used to treat heartburn caused by a hiatal hernia include:
- Antacids: Over-the-counter antacids such as Gelusil, Maalox, Tums and Mylanta can help neutralize stomach acids.
- H-2-receptor Blockers: These medications help to reduce the production of stomach acids and include cimetidine (Tagamet HB), famotidine (Pepcid AC) and ranitidine (Zantac).
- Proton Pump Inhibitors: These medications block stomach acid production and also allow the esophagus time to heal. They include lanzoprazole (Pervacid) and omeprazole (Prilosec)
Other measures to reduce the symptoms of a hiatal hernia include lifestyle changes such as changing your dietary habits and exercising regularly. Eating smaller portions of food at shorter intervals will help reduce the pressure inside your stomach and may reduce the severity of gastric reflux.
If you are overweight or obese you should start on a low calorie diet with regular exercise in order to lose weight.
Avoid foods that are known to be triggers for acid reflux such as chocolates, onions, spicy foods and acidic foods.
If you are a smoker you should quit. Alcohol too should be avoided. Both these substances are known to cause acidity.
Avoid trying alternate therapies that attempt to push the stomach back below the diaphragm. There is no evidence that such therapies work and you may suffer further complications.
answered by A S