Esophageal Hernia

esophagus hernia

Reflux is caused by the backflow of stomach contents to the esophagus. The reason can be a weak sphincter muscle, at the transition between the esophagus and stomach, or esophageal hernia where the upper portion of the stomach is pushed up through the diaphragm to the chest cavity. If you have an esophageal hernia, there will usually be a simultaneous dysfunction of the sphincter on the transition between the esophagus and stomach. An esophageal hernia that does not cause symptoms does not necessarily require treatment.
Symptoms of this disease are heartburn especially after meals, acid regurgitation, pain behind the sternum and upper abdomen, difficulty with swallowing, feeling of a lump in the throat, hoarseness, and coughs. Antacids such as Link, Alminox, Novaluzid etc. all available over the counter, may in mild cases be sufficient treatment. If you have more severe symptoms, it is necessary to use acid-blocking medication that works by reducing acid output. There are different medications (Lansoprazole, Pantoprazole, and Omeprazole), all of which are effective at reflux. For patients with severe and chronic symptoms, surgery must be considered which can be performed laparoscopically.