What happens when you have a hernia in your esophagus?

Ordinarily, your esophagus (food pipe) goes through the hiatus and attaches to your stomach. In a sliding hiatal hernia, your stomach and the lower part of your esophagus slide up into your chest through the diaphragm. Most people with hiatal hernias have this type. A paraesophageal hernia is more dangerous.

Do esophageal hernias go away?

Hiatal hernias that do not cause symptoms do not require immediate treatment. However, symptom-producing hiatal hernias may need to be treated. They do not heal on their own and require surgical intervention. The majority of paraesophageal hernias can be successfully repaired using laparoscopic techniques.

How do you get rid of a hernia in your esophagus?

Surgery to repair a hiatal hernia may involve pulling your stomach down into your abdomen and making the opening in your diaphragm smaller or reconstructing an esophageal sphincter. In some cases, hiatal hernia surgery is combined with weight-loss surgery, such as a sleeve gastrectomy.

How can a hiatal hernia make you feel?

Hiatal hernias, especially Type I hernias, do not usually cause symptoms. They may, however, be associated with the following: burping, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and/or regurgitation into the esophagus. A paraesophageal hernia, or Type II, III, or IV hernia, may cause more severe symptoms.

How do I check myself for a hiatal hernia?

The easiest way to assess for a hiatal hernia is to place your fingers on the upper belly just below the sternum. Take a deep inhalation and feel if your abs expand.

Can you live with a hiatal hernia?

Outlook. Many people with hiatal hernias have no symptoms and do not need medical care. But for people with more severe hernias, treatment with medication, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, surgery may be needed to repair the hernia and provide relief from uncomfortable symptoms like heartburn and chest pain.