Table of Contents
How does hiatal hernia affect the body?
A hiatal hernia can affect the body in mild or severe ways. The stomach produces acid to breakdown food before it passes into the intestines. When a portion of the upper stomach pokes up into the chest through the diaphragm, it can cause stomach acid or food to backup into the esophagus and chest.
What happens if a hiatal hernia is left untreated?
If left untreated, Hiatal hernias can rarely become trapped in the chest or strangulated—which means the hernia begins to cut off blood to the entrapped intestine. Strangulated Hiatal hernias can cause sudden pain in the chest and requires immediate medical attention.
When is a hiatal hernia dangerous?
If you have been diagnosed with a hiatal hernia, and you have nausea or vomiting; or you are unable to have a bowel movement or pass gas, you may have a strangulated hernia or an obstruction. These are medical emergencies and you should call your doctor immediately.
What organs are affected by hiatal hernia?
A hiatal hernia is a condition where the top of your stomach bulges through an opening in your diaphragm….What causes a hiatal hernia?
- Lower part of the esophagus and stomach.
- Small intestine, colon and rectum.
- Liver.
- Gallbladder, pancreas and spleen.
- Kidneys.
- Bladder.
Is it hard to breathe with a hiatal hernia?
Sometimes with large hiatus hernias, there is so much of the stomach protruding into the chest that it presses on your lungs and can make breathing more difficult. See your doctor if you are having difficulty breathing.
Can you live a normal life with a hiatal hernia?
Most people with a hiatal hernia don’t experience any signs or symptoms and won’t need treatment. If you experience signs and symptoms, such as recurrent heartburn and acid reflux, you may need medication or surgery.
How do you know if a hernia is serious?
5 Signs of a Severe Hernia
- Sudden or worsening pain. Some hernias cause pain or sensations like aching, heaviness, or weakness.
- Hernia bulge changing color. The lump caused by a hernia is typically the color of your skin.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Fever.
- Constipation.
Can you live a normal life with a hiatus hernia?
Does a hiatal hernia make your stomach big?
Most of the time, hiatal hernias are so small they might not be felt at all. But if the hernia is a bit larger, it could force the opening in your diaphragm to become larger, too. At that point, the entire stomach and other organs are in danger of sliding up into your chest.