Hiatal hernia

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Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Hiatal hernia

The goals of treatment are to relieve symptoms and prevent complications.

Reducing regurgitation of stomach contents into the esophagus (gastroesophageal reflux) will relieve pain symptoms. Medications that neutralize stomach acidity, decrease acid production, or strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter may be prescribed.

Other measures to reduce symptoms include:

• Avoiding large or heavy meals
• Not lying down or bending over immediately after a meal
• Weight reduction and smoking cessation

Failure to control the symptoms by general or medical measures, or the onset of complications may require surgical repair of the hernia.

Most symptoms are alleviated with treatment.

• Slow bleeding and iron deficiency anemia (due to a large hernia)
• Pulmonary (lung) aspiration
• Strangulation (closing off) of the hernia

Call your provider if symptoms indicate you may have developed a hiatal hernia.

Call your provider if you have a hiatal hernia and symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment, or if new symptoms develop.

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