What Is a Hiatal Hernia?

A hiatal hernia is an abnormal protrusion of the upper part of the stomach through the diaphragm into the chest. The diaphragm is a thin partition of muscle between the chest and abdomen that helps separate the two cavities. While hiatal hernias are common, they can be uncomfortable and even dangerous.

What Causes a Hiatal Hernia?

There is no single known cause of hiatal hernia. However, some underlying conditions or lifestyle choices can increase your risk of developing a hiatal hernia. The most common causes include obesity, pregnancy, smoking, coughing or straining during bowel movements, trauma or injury to the abdomen, and heavy lifting. In addition, some people are born with a predisposition to hiatal hernia, and the condition can be aggravated over time by repeated activities such as bending and lifting.

To further complicate matters, hiatal hernia sometimes exist without any symptoms. This means that many people might have a hiatal hernia without ever knowing it.

How to Prevent a Hiatal Hernia

The best way to prevent a hiatal hernia is to practice good lifestyle habits. Maintain a healthy weight and avoid activities that put excessive strain on your abdominal area, such as heavy lifting. If you are pregnant, be sure to talk to your doctor before engaging in any activity that could put strain your abdomen.

Making changes to your diet can also help prevent hiatal hernia. Avoid eating large meals and reduce your consumption of acidic foods. Also, try to avoid overeating as this can lead to an overfilled stomach and cause the muscles to weaken, giving way to a hiatal hernia.

Conclusion

A hiatal hernia is an abnormal protrusion of the upper part of the stomach through the diaphragm. While the exact cause is not known, certain conditions or lifestyle habits can increase the risk. Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding activities that straining the abdomen, and reducing consumption of acidic foods are the best ways to prevent hiatal hernias.