9 Hiatal Hernia Symptoms and Ways To Soothe Them

If you frequently experience heartburn and reflux even when avoiding trigger foods, an underlying hiatal hernia may be to blame. This common condition occurs when part of the stomach herniates up through the diaphragm, impairing the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Over 60 million Americans have a hiatal hernia, and learning to identify hiatal hernia symptoms and manage them naturally is key to finding relief.

What is a Hiatal Hernia?

A hiatal hernia forms when the upper portion of the stomach squeezes through an opening in the diaphragm known as the hiatus, causing the stomach to protrude into the chest cavity. Normally, the esophagus passes through the hiatus and the stomach sits below the diaphragm. But with a hiatal hernia, the stomach slides up through the opening. This disrupts proper functioning of the LES.

The LES is a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus that normally stays tightly shut to prevent food and stomach acid from flowing upwards. But a hiatal hernia interferes with the LES, allowing acid reflux. Hiatal hernias range in size from 1 to over 5 cm. The most common is a sliding hiatal hernia.

Hiatal Hernia Symptoms

A hiatal hernia often causes troublesome digestive symptoms, including:

• Heartburn – A painful burning feeling rising from the stomach, especially after meals.
• Acid reflux – The backup of stomach acid into the esophagus; causes a sour or bitter taste.
• Dysphagia – Difficulty or pain when swallowing.
• Shortness of breath – Pressure from the protruding stomach can make breathing uncomfortable.
• Chest pain – Can feel similar to heart pain; caused by irritation from leaking stomach acid.
• Belching and bloating – Excess gas and abdominal discomfort resulting from impaired digestion.
• Nausea – Feeling sick to your stomach, especially after eating.
• Sore throat – Frequent exposure to regurgitated acid irritates the throat.
• Chronic cough – Acid reflux into the airways provokes persistent coughing.

Hiatal hernia symptoms often worsen when bending over or lying down, as abdominal contents press upwards. Eating large meals also exacerbates symptoms. Keeping a journal of your symptoms helps identify triggers.

What Causes These Symptoms?

A hiatal hernia disrupts the LES, allowing acid to reflux into the esophagus and cause irritation. But what leads to the hernia itself? Contributing factors include:

• Obesity or chronic excess weight, increasing pressure on the stomach
• Pregnancy, from hormonal changes and increased abdominal pressure
• Congenital large hiatus opening in the diaphragm
• Previous abdominal trauma or surgery
• Older age, as tissues weaken over time
• Intense vomiting over an extended period
• Connective tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome

Diagnosing a Hiatal Hernia

Since hiatal hernia symptoms mimic other conditions like GERD, proper diagnosis is important. Doctors use various tests:

• Barium swallow x-ray – You drink a chalky liquid that coats the esophagus, showing any hernias.
• Endoscopy – A lighted scope inserted into the esophagus lets doctors visualize the stomach and LES.
• Manometry – Measures LES and esophageal muscle function.
• pH monitoring – Checks for abnormal acid levels indicating acid reflux.

Treatment for Hiatal Hernia Symptoms

Several options exist for managing hiatal hernia discomfort:

Lifestyle Changes

Making healthy lifestyle changes is recommended first:

• Losing excess weight to reduce abdominal pressure.
• Remaining upright after eating to keep acid down.
• Eating smaller, more frequent meals instead of large portions.
• Avoiding trigger foods like alcohol, citrus, chocolate, caffeine, etc.
• Quitting smoking, which impairs the LES.
• Wearing loose clothing to prevent added pressure.
• Managing stress through yoga, meditation, etc. Stress worsens symptoms.

Medications

If lifestyle changes are insufficient, medications can further control acid production and reflux:

• Antacids neutralize stomach acid after it occurs but don’t prevent reflux.
• H2 blockers lessen acid secretion more long-term.
• Proton pump inhibitors or PPIs reduce acid production and promote healing.
• Prokinetics tighten the LES while improving stomach emptying.

Natural Supplements

Some supplements may also be beneficial, and the following ingredients are a few to look for:

• Milk thistle strengthens stomach lining integrity to prevent acid erosion.
• Red raspberry leaf tones and tightens stomach and esophageal tissues.
• Manganese aids connective tissue repair and overall digestive health.
• Raw spleen concentrate supports immune function in the digestive tract.
• Quercetin is a potent anti-inflammatory flavonoid that helps heal damaged tissues.
• Black currant oil provides antioxidants for tissue protection.
• Vitamin C promotes collagen production to maintain the esophageal lining.

Surgery

Those with ongoing severe reflux may need hiatal hernia repair surgery to reposition the stomach and reconstruct the LES anatomy. This aims to restore normal function and prevent acid reflux.

While small hiatal hernias may not cause issues, larger ones can provoke nagging symptoms. But through comprehensive lifestyle measures, medications, and natural supplements, substantial relief is often achievable. Supporting overall digestive health is key, not just temporarily neutralizing excess acid. Give your body what it needs to prevent problems before they start.