Hiatus hernia is a common health disorder which occurs when the upper part of one`s stomach protrudes into the chest cavity through a weakness in the hiatus (opening) of the diaphragm. The disease is also known as hiatal hernia and here, the esophagus passes from the chest to the abdominal cavity through the opening in the diaphragm. The disease is quite common among the middle aged people and almost half the people aged above 60 years suffer from it. The disease is quite commonly found among the overweight people. However in most of the cases, hiatus hernia does not cause any serious problems to the patients.

Hiatus hernia may occur due to various causes. Anything that increases the pressure inside the abdomen can increase the size of the hernia and cause hiatus hernia. The primary cause of hiatus hernia is a faulty dietary routine, where a person consumes large amount of white flour, refined sugar. If the person consumes products made from these products like cakes, pastries, biscuits, white bread, etc., he may be affected by hiatus hernia as well. Consumption of food having preservatives and flavourings may devitalise the immune system and weaken the muscle tone. As a result, the person may become more prone to decomposition and damage and may eventually become a hiatus hernia patient. The other causes of hiatus hernia include a few drinks like tea, coffee, alcohol, etc. These drinks can affect the mucous lining of the stomach and irritate the digestive tract and cause hiatus hernia. A few other factors like coughing, vomiting, heredity, sedentary occupations, exercises like weightlifting, overweight, straining at stool, smoking, shallow breathing and mental and emotional tensions, etc. are also considered the probable causes of hiatus hernia. Pregnancy can be another cause of hiatus hernia, as well.

There are certain specific symptoms that can help in detecting the disease of hiatus hernia. Generally, hiatus hernia is characterised by pain in certain areas including the area behind the breastbone. Pain on the left chest is another symptom of hiatus hernia and it is often mistaken to be angina, a type of heart disease. The other areas where pain may be felt for hiatus hernia include the base of the throat, right lower ribs, behind the right shoulder blade, etc. Apart from pain, there are a few other symptoms of hiatus hernia that include heartburn, especially after a meal. Having a feel of bloating, along with suffering from flatulence and discomfort on swallowing are also considered as symptoms of hiatus hernia. However, in most of the cases, a hiatus hernia does not show any symptoms. The upper GI barium meal x-ray test is conducted for diagnosing hiatus hernia correctly. Another complementary test for diagnosis of hiatus hernia is gastroscopy, or upper-intestinal endoscopy, where the esophagus and stomach are examined using a flexible scope, after lightly sedating the patient.

There are mainly three types of Hiatus hernia. The most common type of hiatus hernia is the sliding hiatus hernia. This counts for about 95% of all types of hiatus hernia and here the gastroesophageal junction moves above the diaphragm together with some part of the stomach. The herniated portion of the stomach also slides back and forth into and out of the chest, in this type of hiatus hernia. The sliding hiatus hernias are normally small in size and do not cause any problems or even symptoms. Another type of hernia is the rolling (or paraesophageal) hiatus hernia or the fixed hiatus hernia. In this case, a part of the stomach herniates through the esophageal hiatus and lies beside the esophagus. The gastroesophageal junction does not move and the upper part of the stomach is caught up in the chest. This type of hernia may also show very few symptoms. It has an increased potential for causing problems, compared to the first type. The fixed hiatus hernia is about 20 times less common than the sliding hiatus hernia.

There is a third type of hiatus hernia, known as complicated or serious hiatus hernia. This is actually a combination of the first and second types of hiatus hernia. A variety of patterns of herniation of stomach can be seen here. In some cases of complicated or serious hiatus hernia, the entire stomach moves up in the chest. Other medical problems may also occur along with the complicated or serious hiatus hernia and surgery is often required for treating this. However, this type of hernia is quite rare.

The treatment of Hiatus hernia is done following several alternative medicinal methods, besides the conventional treatment methods. In most of the cases, hiatus hernia does not need any treatment. Treatment is required only when symptoms like persistent heartburn or difficulty in swallowing is present. Symptoms like acid inflammation and ulceration of the lower esophagus also call for treatment. The main objective of alternative treatment of hiatus hernia is to relieve symptoms and prevent complications. Reducing regurgitation of stomach contents into the esophagus (gastroesophageal reflux) can relieve the pain. Sometimes, medications that neutralise stomach acidity, decrease acid production, or strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter are also prescribed. The most commonly used alternative medicinal methods for treating hiatus hernia include Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, Nature care or Naturopathy, Magnetic therapy, Herbal treatment, Acupressure, Aromatherapy, etc. Apart from these, various dietary restrictions, nutrition and supplements and Yogic Asanas are advised for treatment of hiatus hernia.

Hiatus hernia is a common disease. Most of the time, it does not require any treatment and does not produce any serious problems. However, it can cause problems if neglected, even after symptoms are identified.