Hiatal Hernia

Up to 60% of Americans over age 50 have a hiatal hernia and are at increased risk for developing heartburn and other uncomfortable symptoms. Wake Endoscopy offers comprehensive care for men and women with a hiatal hernia at their offices in Wake Forest, Wilson, Cary, Clayton, and Raleigh, North Carolina. The gastroenterology team specializes in upper endoscopy procedures to diagnose a hiatal hernia and creates individual treatment plans to address symptoms like acid reflux. Call the Wake Endoscopy office nearest you to schedule a hiatal hernia evaluation, or book an appointment online today. 

What is a hiatal hernia?

The hiatus is a small opening in your diaphragm, the muscle that separates your chest and abdomen. Your esophagus passes through the hiatus to connect to your stomach. A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of your stomach pushes through this opening.

If a hiatal hernia is small, you may not experience any issues. However, large hernias can allow stomach acids and food to flow back into your esophagus, which leads to heartburn, acid reflux, and chest pain.

Your risk for developing a hiatal hernia increases with age or because of surgery or trauma to the diaphragm. Pressure on the diaphragm due to persistent coughing or heavy lifting can also lead to a hiatal hernia.

Wake Endoscopy offers diagnostic evaluations and customized treatment plans for hiatal hernias. The experienced gastroenterologists provide a range of treatments to alleviate symptoms of a hiatal hernia and can perform hernia repair surgery when needed.

When should I seek medical attention for a hiatal hernia?

Schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Wake Endoscopy if you have symptoms of a large hiatal hernia that you can’t manage on your own. Symptoms can include:

• Heartburn
• Acid reflux
• Chest pain
• Swallowing problems
• Abdominal pain
• Shortness of breath

If you have black stools or you vomit blood, it can be an indication of gastrointestinal bleeding that requires immediate medical care.

The gastroenterology team may take X-rays of your upper digestive system to diagnose a hiatal hernia. They also perform upper endoscopy procedures, which involve the insertion of a flexible tube with an attached camera to view the inside of your esophagus and stomach.

How is a hiatal hernia treated?

Initially, the Wake Endoscopy team may recommend medications to neutralize stomach acids or reduce acid production. They can also suggest diet changes to prevent symptoms like heartburn and acid reflux.

When medications and lifestyle changes aren’t enough to relieve hiatal hernia symptoms, the team may recommend surgery. They use minimally invasive techniques to reposition the upper part of your stomach and reduce the size of the opening in your diaphragm.

Call the Wake Endoscopy office nearest you to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for symptoms of a hiatal hernia, or book an appointment online today.