Disorders We Treat

Hiatal Hernia

A hiatal hernia occurs when a portion of the stomach pushes its way upward through the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the stomach from the chest. Normally, all of the stomach is located below the diaphragm.

Although most people do not have heartburn symptoms from a hiatal hernia, studies show that a hiatal hernia is one of the leading causes of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). GERD develops because acid is retained in the herniated part of the stomach allowing longer exposure of the esophagus to stomach acid. Since the esophagus is not naturally protected from acid as the stomach is, the esophagus becomes damaged.

There are various sizes and shapes of hernias. The larger they become the more likely they are to cause problems. Hiatal hernia treatments include medication and/or surgery.