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You are here : 3-RX.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > Hiatal Hernia: Treatment & Monitoring
      Category : Health Centers > Digestive System

Hiatal Hernia

Hiatal Hernia | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring

What are the treatments for the condition?

Treatment of hiatal hernia is focused on treating and reducing symptoms. To reduce symptoms, a person should:

  • sleep with the head of the bed raised several inches
  • avoid citrus fruits, spicy foods, alcohol, smoking, and caffeine
  • eat small, frequent meals
  • maintain a healthy weight, or losing weight if obese
  • avoid eating within 2 hours before bedtime
  • avoid straining during bowel movements or heavy lifting
  • Medications that block acid production in the stomach or that make the stomach empty faster may help.

    Surgery may be needed if symptoms are severe or persistent, or if there is a large hole in the diaphragm. The surgery is done to strengthen the diaphragm and decrease the size of the esophageal hiatus.

    What are the side effects of the treatments?

    Medications that block stomach acid production can cause nausea, headache, or diarrhea. Surgery carries a risk of bleeding, infection, and allergic reactions to anesthesia.

    What happens after treatment for the condition?

    For mild intermittent symptoms, treatment with antacids, watching diet and activity may control hiatal hernia. For more serious recurrent symptoms, surgery may be needed. Recovery from surgery may be a few days to several weeks depending on the procedure used.

    How is the condition monitored?

    Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.


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    Hiatal Hernia: Prevention & Expectations

     

    Author: Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
    Reviewer: Melissa Sanders, PharmD
    Date Reviewed: 09/25/00



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