Jun 24, 2025 05:18 PM IST
Know in case your frequent acid reflux disorder and bloating are simply widespread intestine points or signaling a extra critical situation like a hiatus hernia.
If you happen to continuously get uncomfortable heartburn or really feel very full after consuming meals and are blaming it in your meals, chances are you’ll be at midnight. Bloating, burning sensation within the chest and stomach could also be widespread indicators of acidity. However at occasions, it can be from underlying points. Considered one of them is hiatus hernia. Hiatus hernia typically presents with signs that resemble widespread, on a regular basis intestine points. Dr Aparna Govil Bhasker, Guide Bariatric and Laparoscopic Surgeon at MetaHeal – Laparoscopy and Bariatric Surgical procedure Centre, Mumbai, shared how the situation impacts folks over 50.
Explaining the prevalence and the contributing elements, she stated, “55 to 60% people above the age of fifty years could also be affected by a hiatus hernia. Out of those 9 to 10% are symptomatic. Hiatus hernia might be congenital or acquired. Circumstances that improve the stress within the stomach are contributing elements are weight problems, being pregnant, persistent constipation, COPD, and so on. Different elements akin to trauma, earlier surgical procedures and genetics may play a job in its improvement. The primary motive is muscular weak spot.
Breaking down what really occurs contained in the physique, Dr Aparna defined what occurs within the intestine throughout hiatus hernia. It typically goes unnoticed because the indicators are much like on a regular basis intestine points like acid reflux disorder or heartburn.
She shared,“In a hiatus hernia, the higher a part of the abdomen pushes by way of the diaphragmatic opening into the chest, compromising the muscular valve on the decrease finish of the food-pipe. This loosening and leisure of the valve could enable contents and acid from the abdomen to reflux into the meals pipe, resulting in gastroesophageal reflux illness (GERD). Small hiatal hernias are sometimes asymptomatic and are normally handled with medicines. Giant hiatal hernias normally require surgical procedure within the type of a laparoscopic fundoplication. Most small hiatus hernias don’t have any indicators and signs when they’re small.”
Dr Aparna shared a information, masking the important elements of hiatal hernia, from indicators and signs to therapies:
Indicators of a bigger hiatal hernia

- Belching, vomiting
- Heartburn and acid reflux disorder
- Belly or chest ache
- Problem in swallowing
- Feeling very full, particularly after meals
- Passing black stools or vomiting blood, which at occasions is a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding
- Change in voice
Learn how to stop and deal with
- Life-style modification is the primary line of remedy. Since most hiatal hernia signs stem from acid reflux disorder, dietary modifications may also help considerably.
- Consuming smaller, extra frequent meals as a substitute of three giant ones, avoiding heavy meals or snacks near bedtime, quitting smoking are all easy however efficient measures.
- Sufferers are additionally suggested to keep away from mendacity down or bending over quickly after meals to stop heartburn.
- Drugs play an necessary function in managing signs of hiatal hernia, particularly these associated to acid reflux disorder. Antacids are generally used to neutralise abdomen acid, whereas H2-receptor blockers assist cut back acid manufacturing. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are one other efficient choice, as they block acid manufacturing fully, giving the meals pipe time to heal.
When surgical procedure could also be wanted
- Surgical restore is required when the sufferers are unable to cease medical remedy, if there isn’t any reduction regardless of medical administration.
- When the affected person develops problems like oesophageal ulcers, reflux within the windpipe, Barrett’s oesophagus, and so on.
- Laparoscopic fundoplication is a generally carried out minimally invasive surgical procedure in such instances, which ends up in symptom reduction and in addition prevents future problems. A fundoplication entails bringing again the herniated contents from the chest into the abdomen, tightening the free valve and making a wrap of the abdomen.
- ALSO READ: IBS vs IBD: Gastroenterologist shares the primary variations between the 2 widespread intestine circumstances
Notice to readers: This text is for informational functions solely and never an alternative choice to skilled medical recommendation. All the time search the recommendation of your physician with any questions on a medical situation.

Catch your day by day dose of Vogue, Taylor Swift, Well being, Festivals, Journey, Relationship, Recipe and all the opposite Newest Life-style Information on Hindustan Occasions Web site and APPs.
Catch your day by day dose of Vogue, Taylor Swift, Well being, Festivals, Journey, Relationship, Recipe and all the opposite Newest Life-style Information on Hindustan Occasions Web site and APPs.