Symptoms Of A Hiatal Hernia

Heartburn And Acid Reflux

There are four type classifications of hiatal hernias. Type I, a sliding hiatal hernia, is the most common. It accounts for approximately ninety-five percent of all hiatal hernias. Type II, also known as a paraesophageal hiatal hernia, accounts for five percent of all cases, but causes most of the complications. In this type of hiatal hernia, the herniated portion of the stomach can torsion, cutting off its blood supply. This may lead to a serious infection if left untreated. A paraesophageal hiatal hernia is associated with heartburn and acid reflux as the dominant symptoms. These symptoms are greatest immediately after a meal or at night when one lays flat. With a pH probe study, these hiatal hernias will have a higher than normal acid content which accounts for the symptoms. Medications known as proton-pump inhibitors are often utilized to reduce stomach acid and symptoms of reflux. However, with the risks involved in a paraesophageal hiatal hernia, this type is most likely to require surgical correction.

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