Slipping hernia of the esophageal opening of the diaphragm

Ordinary hernia - a phenomenon that has been heard by many. Slipping hernias are not so well known, so their name terrifies many. In fact, it is not worth much to worry about - a sliding hernia of the esophageal aperture of the diaphragm does not represent a serious danger, but, of course, it is absolutely not recommended to neglect it. Timely begun competent treatment guarantees full recovery.

Causes and symptoms of the appearance of hernia of the esophageal opening of the diaphragm

From ordinary sliding hernia is characterized by the fact that one of its walls is covered by the peritoneum. A problem arises when the organ from the peritoneum partially penetrates through the orifice in the diaphragm into the sternum. The disease does not appear so often, and in most cases, patients do not notice any changes in the body at all.

It is accepted to distinguish several basic stages of unfixed hernia of the esophageal opening of the diaphragm:

1. At the first stage, the stomach is adjacent to the diaphragm, and part of the abdominal part of the esophagus penetrates into the thoracic cavity.
2. The second stage is characterized by penetration of the stomach part into the chest cavity.
3. In the most difficult third stage, the abdominal part of the esophagus, and the body, and the bottom, and sometimes even the antral part of the stomach, can be located in the thoracic cavity.

It is rather difficult to say what exactly contributes to the appearance of a sliding hernia of the esophageal aperture of the diaphragm. Specialists identify several major factors predisposing to the development of the disease:

• frequent constipation;
• bad habits;
• overweight;
• poor heredity;
• age;
• some birth defects of development;
• excessive physical exertion;
• severe chronic cough;
• sedentary lifestyle;
• problems with the spine (stoop or broken posture , for example).

The main symptoms of a hernia of the esophageal opening of the diaphragm can easily be confused with the manifestations of most diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The main distinctive feature of the hernia can be considered a strong dull pain, which in most cases is concentrated in the epigastric region. Unpleasant sensations increase after eating, playing sports or a strong fit of coughing. The pain can disappear as sharply as it does, after belching or changing the position of the body.

Of the main symptoms of infringement of the hernia of the esophageal opening of the diaphragm, one can distinguish such:

• heartburn;
• the appearance of bitter aftertaste;
• sensation of a lump in the throat;
• bloating;
• Anemia (occurs as a result of inconspicuous gastric bleeding);
• hiccough;
• nocturnal coughing attacks;
• dysphagia;
• reflux esophagitis .

Diagnosis and treatment of hernia of the esophageal opening of the diaphragm

In order to determine the disease for certain, a comprehensive examination is required, including the diagnosis of the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular and respiratory systems. X-ray in hernia the esophageal opening of the diaphragm can play a decisive role. It is difficult to make an accurate diagnosis without endoscopic results. The patient must necessarily be examined in both vertical and horizontal positions.

In the initial stages, the most effective conservative treatment is considered, which allows you to get rid of the main symptoms. Popular drugs for treating hernia are:

• Almagel;
• Maalox;
• Thimeda;
• Kwamatel and others.

In some cases, it is simply impossible to cure a hernia of the esophageal opening of the diaphragm without surgery. Surgical intervention is required in the presence of complications or inefficiency of conservative methods.