I recently discovered Hiatal Hernia. It is a condition that occurs when the upper part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm muscle and into the chest cavity. Your diaphragm separates your chest from your abdomen. It is supposed to prevent acid from going to your esophagus. When the acid reaches your esophagus, you have a higher risk of developing GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).
Hiatal Hernia has been classified into categories I-IV. Type I, siding hernia is the most common and is manageable medically. Types II-IV have lower occurrences. Those who have this would need surgery.
Sometimes people find out they have hiatal hernia when testing for GERD or heartburn. A lot of times the causes are not known. Some studies have found a connection with a birth defect or muscle weakness. The risks are higher for obese people as well as smokers.
Hiatal Hernia mostly affect people over 50. It is one of those conditions that come that older you get. About 55-60% of individuals over 50 have hiatal hernia (Forrest et. al, 2025).
Why you should know about this :
Although it mostly happens with adults over 50, younger adults might have this condition.
Risk of strangulation : when part of your intestine or abdominal tissue pushes through a muscle wall and gets trapped so tightly that its blood supply is cut off, leading to surgery.
Risk of incarceration : occurs when tissue or a piece of intestine gets stuck in a weak spot of the abdominal wall and cannot be pushed back inside.
Although it is essential to check if you have hiatal hernia, this condition does not need treatment if you do not feel any symptoms or have problems.
Lifestyle changes can help greatly such as losing weight, eating smaller meals, and avoiding certain foods.
If you suspect you have Hiatal Hernia, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider for proper testing and treatment. Wellbeing for you always recommends seeking professional medical advice for accurate diagnosis and personalized care.
References
Courtesy of MedlinePlus from the National Library of Medicine
Forrest JR, Chaudhuri U, Konney E, Triplett DJ. Breaking Boundaries: A Case Report of Giant Hiatal Hernia Housing Pancreas, Stomach, Small Bowel, and Colon. Cureus. 2025 Aug 17;17(8):e90317. doi: 10.7759/cureus.90317. PMID: 40843055; PMCID: PMC12364603.
