Hiatal Hernia

Discover top-level, professional, compassionate care for a hiatal hernia at Peak Gastroenterology Associates, where we offer advanced treatment options and personalized patient support.

What Is a Hiatal Hernia?

As many as 60 percent of Americans will develop a hiatal hernia by age 60. A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach pushes through an opening in the diaphragm (the hiatus), entering the chest cavity. This condition can cause significant discomfort and complicates conditions like GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).

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What Causes a Hiatal Hernia?

The exact cause of a hiatal hernia is often unclear, but several factors can contribute to the development of this condition:

Increased Abdominal Pressure: Contributing factors include obesity, pregnancy, heavy lifting, or excessive straining during bowel movements.
Aging: Changes in diaphragm muscle strength and tissue integrity associated with aging can increase the risk.
Injury or Trauma: An impact on the abdomen or intense physical strain.
Congenital Structural Abnormalities: Some people are born with a substantial hiatus, making hernia development more likely.

What Are the Symptoms?

While many people with a hiatal hernia experience no symptoms, those that do often suffer from symptoms similar to GERD, which include:

Heartburn, especially when bending over or lying down.
Belching and regurgitation of food or liquids.
Difficulty swallowing.
Chest or abdominal pain.
Feeling unusually full after meals.
Breathing difficulties if the hernia is large.

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How Is a Hiatal Hernia Treated?

Treatment for a hiatal hernia may include:

Lifestyle changes: Avoiding large meals, reducing weight, and quitting smoking.
Medications: Antacids, H2 blockers, or proton pump inhibitors can manage symptoms of acid reflux.
Surgical intervention: In severe cases, surgery might be recommended to repair the hernia, which can often be performed laparoscopically with minimal recovery time.

Why Choose Us?

At Peak Gastroenterology Associates, we are dedicated to providing expert care for hiatal hernia patients. Our team uses the latest diagnostic and treatment technologies to offer tailored solutions that address the symptoms and root causes. We understand the impact this has on your quality of life and are committed to supporting you with comprehensive care and respect for your overall well-being. Our practice offers a full spectrum of top-tier medical care, allowing you to address all of your healthcare needs in one place and enhance your overall quality of life.

At Peak Gastroenterology Associates, our skilled gastroenterologists offer comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services, including minimally invasive surgery, for bothersome hiatal hernia symptoms. If you cannot relieve chronic heartburn, schedule a consultation at the Peak Gastroenterology Associates clinic nearest you by calling the office or requesting an appointment online now. Our state-of-the-art clinics are conveniently located in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Lone Tree, Colorado.

Hiatal Hernia FAQ

What is a hiatal hernia?

A hiatal hernia is a condition that develops when the upper part of your stomach pushes through a weak spot in your diaphragm, the thin muscle that separates your abdomen from your chest.

How does a hiatal hernia lead to GERD?

In a healthy body, your diaphragm prevents stomach acid from flowing back into your esophagus. When a hiatal hernia develops, acids can move through the diaphragm and into your esophagus, causing a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

What are the symptoms of a hiatal hernia?

The symptoms of a hiatal hernia result from GERD and may include:

Heartburn
Dry cough
Bad breath
Difficulty swallowing
Shortness of breath
Stomach acids wearing away tooth enamel

During diagnostic testing for GERD symptoms, the Peak Gastroenterology Associates GI doctors may identify the cause as being a hiatal hernia.

How is a hiatal hernia diagnosed?

The team at Peak Gastroenterology Associates offers the latest advancements in diagnostic testing for hiatal hernias, including chest X-rays.

You may also undergo a procedure where you swallow a barium solution that your provider follows through your gastrointestinal tract with X-ray technology.

What is an upper endoscopy?

You may also need an upper endoscopy, where your Peak Gastroenterology Associates GI doctor inserts a slender tube with an attached camera into your throat and down into your upper digestive tract. The camera sends back real-time images of your esophagus and can help your doctor identify a hiatal hernia.

What are the treatment options for a hiatal hernia?

Your Peak Gastroenterology Associates provider may take a wait-and-see approach to treating a hiatal hernia. They may recommend over-the-counter acid reducers to treat GERD symptoms. We may advise you on a diet plan that limits spicy foods, alcohol, and other products that can worsen GERD symptoms.

Does a hiatal hernia require surgery?

Surgery to repair the hernia may be necessary if medications and lifestyle changes aren’t enough to control moderate to severe GERD symptoms.

What is the surgery to repair a hiatal hernia?

The team at Peak Gastroenterology Associates can use minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques to repair the hernia through tiny incisions to ensure less trauma to your body and a faster recovery.

If you have chronic heartburn and need diagnostic testing for a hiatal hernia, schedule a consultation at the nearest Peak Gastroenterology Associates clinic. We offer outstanding patient-centered care and clinical excellence at our Colorado Springs, Denver, and Lone Tree, Colorado locations.