Hiatal hernia is a health problem that describes the leakage of stomach contents into the esophagus through an opening in the muscle layer called the diaphragm that surrounds the stomach muscles. This condition occurs due to weakness or laxity in the muscular structure of the diaphragm that protects the boundaries between the stomach and chest cavity. Hiatal hernia is often associated with factors such as increased pressure in the abdomen, excess weight, pregnancy or aging. Symptoms may include heartburn, chest pain, indigestion, and esophageal irritation. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes surgery. However, the most appropriate treatment method for each patient may vary depending on the individual situation. Some natural remedies and lifestyle recommendations that are effective against hiatal hernia can help relieve symptoms.
What is a hiatal hernia?
Hiatal hernia refers to a condition caused by a disorder in the muscle layer called the diaphragm, which plays an important role in the digestive system. The diaphragm is a layer of muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdomen and helps with the breathing process. Hiatal hernia causes the stomach contents to escape from its normal location (abdominal cavity) into the esophagus due to weakness or loosening of this muscle layer.
What are the symptoms of hiatal hernia?
Hiatal hernia is defined as a condition in which stomach contents escape into the esophagus as a result of a weakness in the part of the diaphragm surrounding the stomach. Symptoms of this condition are often associated with digestive disorders. Stomach hernia symptoms are as follows:
- Heartburn and Burning: A hiatal hernia can cause stomach acid to leak back into the esophagus, causing stomach acid to leak into the esophagus, which can lead to heartburn and a burning sensation.
- Chest Pain: A hiatal hernia can cause discomfort or pain in the chest area. This condition can sometimes be confused with heart conditions, so it should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
- Indigestion: Due to a hiatal hernia, stomach contents leaking into the esophagus can affect the digestive process and cause a feeling of indigestion.
- Difficulty in Swallowing: A hiatal hernia can cause the muscles in the lower part of the esophagus to weaken, leading to difficulty swallowing.
- Cough and Shortness of Breath: Large hiatal hernias can cause respiratory problems such as cough and shortness of breath as a result of the stomach contents pressing on the lungs.
- Abdominal Pain and Dyspepsia: Hiatal hernia can cause abdominal discomfort, pain and a feeling of dyspepsia (indigestion).
These symptoms may vary from person to person and may vary in severity. It is important to see a healthcare professional if a hiatal hernia is suspected.
What is good for stomach hernia?
Hiatal hernia is a condition that can be managed with lifestyle changes, diet and natural treatment methods. First, it is important to follow treatment plans recommended by a healthcare professional, based on the person’s symptoms and health status. However, it may also be beneficial for some people to resort to natural methods to relieve symptoms or reduce the risk of hiatal hernia. Natural methods that can be herbal treatment for hiatal hernia are:
- Balanced diet: An important step in the treatment of hiatal hernia is to avoid acidic and fatty foods, control portions and increase fiber foods to facilitate digestion.
- Having your head high while lying down: Keeping your head elevated while lying down can prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. For this purpose, it may be useful to raise the head of your bed or use additional pillows.
- Small and Frequent Meals: Consuming small and frequent meals instead of large meals can reduce the pressure on the stomach and facilitate digestion.
- Aloe Vera Drink: Aloe vera drink may have a protective effect against stomach contents leaking into the esophagus. However, excessive use should be avoided.
- Ginger tea: Ginger has stomach-soothing properties. Ginger tea may relieve symptoms such as heartburn and discomfort due to hiatal hernia.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: A teaspoon of apple cider vinegar added to some water before meals can support digestion and reduce symptoms of hiatal hernia.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional before using these natural methods.
How to cure stomach hernia?
An effective method to get rid of hiatal hernia is to implement lifestyle changes and certain treatment options. First of all, it is important for the person to review their eating habits to relieve their symptoms and reduce discomfort related to hiatal hernia. Avoiding acidic and fatty foods, increasing fiber foods and controlling portions can facilitate digestion.
Elevating the head of the bed so that your head is high when lying down and eating small, frequent meals can relieve hiatal hernia symptoms. In addition, regular consumption of natural solutions such as aloe vera drink, ginger tea and apple cider vinegar can also be supportive. However, treatment for hiatal hernia depends on the individual situation, and in severe cases, surgical intervention may be required. Therefore, it is important to consult a healthcare professional if a hiatal hernia is suspected. Following the appropriate treatment plan determined by the specialist is an important step in relieving symptoms and getting rid of hiatal hernia.
Can hiatal hernia heal without surgery?
Hiatal hernia is a condition that does not require surgical intervention in most cases. Non-surgical treatment options generally aim to relieve or control symptoms. Lifestyle changes such as regulating eating habits, avoiding acidic and fatty foods, increasing fiber foods, controlling portions and elevating your head while lying down can reduce the discomfort caused by hiatal hernia.
Medicines recommended by the doctor can contribute to the treatment process by regulating stomach acid and relieving symptoms. However, since every patient is different, although recovery without surgery is possible, surgical intervention may be required in some cases. In cases of particularly severe symptoms, complications, or when other treatment methods are ineffective, doctors may consider the surgical option. Therefore, in case of suspected hiatal hernia, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional, determine the appropriate treatment plan, and consider surgical options when necessary.
Does hiatal hernia go away on its own?
Hiatal hernia is a condition that usually does not go away on its own, but its symptoms can be managed. Since hiatal hernia is a condition caused by weakness in the part of the diaphragm that surrounds the stomach, this weakness usually does not resolve on its own. However, symptoms can be alleviated and controlled with lifestyle changes and certain treatment methods.
Is walking good for hiatal hernia?
Yes, walking is often a beneficial exercise option for individuals with digestive problems such as hiatal hernia. Walking is a low-intensity aerobic activity that can be effective in relieving hiatal hernia symptoms and supporting overall health. However, each individual’s situation is different, so it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting exercises regarding a hiatal hernia or another health problem. Creating an exercise plan tailored to the individual situation and assessing possible risks can be an effective strategy for relieving hiatal hernia symptoms.