Can I Fix My Hiatal Hernia on My Own?
So you have a hiatal hernia and you’re looking for some guidance on how to fix a hiatal hernia at home. Well, you’ve come to the right place! In this blog post, we will cover everything you need to know about this condition, including how to fix a hiatal hernia yourself.
What Is a Hiatal Hernia?
A hiatal hernia is a condition in which part of the stomach bulges up through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. The diaphragm is a muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity. It can cause heartburn, chest pain, and other symptoms when this happens.
What Causes a Hiatal Hernia to Develop?
A hiatal hernia can be caused by many things, including:
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Smoking
- Eating large meals
- Lying down after eating a meal
Hiatal hernias are more common in people over the age of 50, but they can occur at any age. If you think you may have a hiatal hernia, please see your doctor as soon as possible.
What Are the Symptoms of a Hiatal Hernia?
The most common symptom of a hiatal hernia is heartburn. Other symptoms can include:
- Chest pain
- Belching
- Difficulty swallowing
- Regurgitation of food or liquid
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please consult with your doctor. They will be able to determine if you have a hiatal hernia and develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
Read more about what a hiatal hernia feels like.
How Can I Resolve My Hiatal Hernia at Home?
If you have been diagnosed with a hiatal hernia, there are things that you can do at home to help resolve the condition. These include:
- Avoiding trigger foods that cause heartburn (e.g. spicy foods, fatty foods, citrus fruits)
- Eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day
- Avoiding lying down for at least three hours after eating a meal
- Sleeping with your head elevated on pillows
If you are struggling to resolve your hiatal hernia at home, please consult with your doctor. They may recommend medication or surgery to help treat the condition.
Hiatal Hernia Surgery
Surgery is usually only recommended if conservative treatment options have failed and the person is still experiencing symptoms. Surgery involves repairing the hole in the diaphragm that is allowing part of the stomach to bulge up into the chest cavity. If you are considering surgery, please consult with your doctor to see if it is the right option for you.
Hiatal Hernia: The Bottom Line
If you think you may have a hiatal hernia, please see your doctor as soon as possible. There are many treatment options available at Ascension Saint Agnes that can help improve your quality of life and don’t rely on fixing a hiatal hernia yourself. Do not suffer in silence! Speak to us about hernia repair in Baltimore.