Hernia can occur in any part of the body and causes indigestion or acid reflux. This is one of the reasons it is often confused with Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Therefore, it is important to have a proper understanding of Hernia and GERD and their relationship to be able to get proper treatment.
Here’s a a brief overview of Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hiatal hernia along with the difference between the two.
What is Hiatal Hernia?
A hiatal hernia occurs when the stomach bulges up through an opening or a hole in the diaphragm and goes into the chest. The opening in the diaphragm is known as hiatus which is anatomically a correct opening, enabling the esophagus to connect with the stomach. The condition is called hiatus hernia or hiatal hernia.
The causes of Hiatal hernia are unknown; however, some of its potential causes may include an increase in abdominal pressure or weak supportive tissues. The treatment of a Hiatal hernia may vary from mild to severe cases (that may require hernia surgery).
The hernia can develop acid reflux or chronic acid reflux known as Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This is why hiatal hernia is confused with GERD. However, many health experts suggest that people have Hiatal hernia without GERD as well.
Hiatal Hernia Symptoms
A hiatal hernia occurs with no obvious symptoms as they arise when the bulge into the stomach gets bigger. In the case of a small hernia, there are no symptoms and you may not find out that you have it unless you get yourself medically tested.
In the case of larger Hiatal hernias, their size is big enough to allow undigested food and cause stomach acids to reflux in the esophagus. As a result, you will likely see the symptoms of Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) that are as follows
- Frequent burping
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Chest pain (especially when you bend down or lie flat)
- Heartburn
- Swallowing problem
Since Hiatal hernia symptoms may be similar to GERD, testing is required to determine if you have a hiatal hernia or any other stomach issues that are causing the symptoms of GERD.
What is Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is basically a digestive issue that occurs when the muscle rings between the esophagus and stomach are affected by a digestive disorder.
When you have acid reflux your stomach content including food and fluids moves back and forth between the esophagus and stomach. In case, you continue to have acid reflux for over a week, you may have Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Moreover, if it is left untreated for a long time, it can develop serious complications. GERD can affect anyone from infants to adults.
Symptoms of GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may have some common symptoms such as burping, acidic taste in the mouth, heartburn, and more. Other symptoms of GERD that may occur also include
- Cavities
- Bad breath
- Chest pain
- Excess saliva production
- Pain or having a problem in swallowing
- Continuous chronic cough
- Gums inflammation
- Disrupted sleep
- Lump sensation in the throat
What is the Difference Between Hernia and GERD?
1. Interlinked Cause
Hiatal hernia symptoms may be the same as symptoms of GERD. How? hernia can be a cause of GERD but GERD is not a cause of Hiatal hernia. However, it is important to understand that Hiatal hernias are not only caused by GERD, other factors may also contribute to this development.
2. Chest Pain
Prominent chest pain and abdominal pain are the Hiatal hernia symptoms. However, chest pain caused by GERD occurs mostly during night sleep.
3. Shortness of Breath
People suffering from Hiatal hernia may experience shortness of breath. In the case of Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), there are no such symptoms as shortness of breath.
4. Other Symptoms
Hiatal hernia symptoms may also include vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding, and black stool. On the other hand, GERD doesn’t show such symptoms.
Diagnosis of Hernia and GERD
1. Upper Endoscopy
Upper endoscopy is a procedure in which a thin flexible tube attached to a camera is inserted down the throat to determine the internal part of the esophagus and stomach and detect inflammation or the underlying cause.
2. Imaging Tests or Barium Swallow X-ray
Imaging tests including barium swallow X-ray is used for the diagnosis of hernia and GERD. During the procedure, the patient drinks barium which fills the digestive tract with its chalky and thick substance. The coating formed by the thickness of the liquid helps the radiologist to see the silhouette of your esophagus, upper intestine, and stomach.
3. Esophageal Manometry
This test helps measure the rhythmic muscle contractions inside the esophagus when you swallow anything that measures the coordination and muscular force of the esophagus.
Treatment for Hiatal Hernia and GERD
Treatment for hernia and GERD may vary from person to person and is suggested with respect to the health concerns of every individual. For small hernia, patients are mostly advised to carefully monitor so that they do not enlarge or cause discomfort.
1. Smaller Meals
People with hernia and GERD are advised to make dietary changes when the condition is not worse. To do that, they are asked to consume a small portion of their meals throughout the day.
2. Digestion First
It is advised to not sleep immediately after taking your meal and wait for at least three to four hours before you go to bed so that your food digests.
3. Avoid Food Triggers
You have to be careful about the food triggers. Avoid food that may cause heartburn and are very heavy to digest.
The Bottom Line
Occasional heartburns and indigestion are normal especially when you have overeaten heavy food. But if the symptoms persist, you must visit a health professional. In addition, you must make some lifestyle changes, including taking proper and light meals without much delay. OTC medications are always available but only under the prescription of a health expert.
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