Hiatus hernia
Overview
A hiatus hernia is when part of your stomach moves up into your chest. It's very common if you're over 50. It does not normally need treatment if it's not causing you problems.
Symptoms
You can have a hiatus hernia without knowing and without it being a problem. Symptoms include: a painful burning feeling in your chest, often after eating (heartburn)bringing up small amounts of food or bitter-tasting fluids (acid reflux)bad breathfeeling bloatedfeeling or being sickdifficulty or pain when swallowing (dysphagia) These are the symptoms ofgastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). Speak to a pharmacist for advice if you keep getting hiatus hernia symptoms. They may recommend medicines called antacids or alginates, which can help ease your symptoms. It's best to take these with food or soon after eating, as this is when you're most likely to get symptoms. They may also work for longer if taken with food. Although antacids and alginates help symptoms in the short term, they will not cure the problem and should not be taken regularly for long periods. If you're pregnant, a pharmacist can advise you about medicines you can take.
Causes
It's not clear what causes a hiatus hernia. Anyone can have one, but it's more common if you're over 50, pregnant or overweight.
Treatment
If medicines from a pharmacy and changing your eating habits do not help, a GP can prescribe stronger medicines. If stronger medicines do not work, a GP can send you for tests to find out if your symptoms are caused by a hiatus hernia. They might also prescribe medicines for long-term gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). A GP might refer you to a specialist to check if you need surgery. This usually only happens if other treatments have not worked and you keep having very bad symptoms.
Prevention
Healthy weight; quit smoking; reduce alcohol; avoid strain (lifting/constipation).
When to see a doctor
See GP if: frequent heartburn/reflux. Urgent: severe chest/stomach pain; vomiting blood.