A sliding hiatal hernia is the most common punch in.
The diaphragm is the thin muscle that separates your chest from your abdomen.
This article discusses howhiatal herniasare treated, including at-home lifestyle changes and medications to improve symptoms.
Laura Porter / Verywell
It also covers what procedures are available for more serious cases.
How Is a Hiatal Hernia Treated?
Some people don’t experience symptoms or need treatment and most people get relief from lifestyle changes and medication.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
People with more serious conditions may need surgery.
The treatment will depend on factors including the bang out of hiatal hernia.
Home Remedies and Lifestyle
To overcome reflux symptoms, you should probably address the underlying causes.
If OTC drugs aren’t relieving your symptoms, talk with your healthcare provider about other treatment options.
Antacids
Antacids work by neutralizing stomach acid with ingredients like aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide.
Proton Pump Inhibitors
Proton pump inhibitors offer similar action to H2 blockers but are stronger and faster.
PPIs are more typically used if an H2 blocker fails to provide relief.
Your healthcare provider will determine whether a prescription-strength H2 blocker or PPI is an option for you.
Surgery is also considered for sliding hernias if it’s associated with GERD.
A paraesophageal hernia has an increased risk of serious complications.
Both are considered medical emergencies.
Paraesophageal hernias tend to be progressive, so it’s best to treat them sooner rather than later.
Nissen Fundoplication
Nissen fundoplicationis performed laparoscopically.
If performed correctly, fundoplication can realign the LES into a position where it functions normally.
Partial fundoplication, like a Toupet procedure, is an option.
Nissen fundoplication is considered safe and effective.
It has less than 1% risk of mortality and an efficacy rate of 89.5% over 10 years.
How effective is hiatal hernia surgery?
Researchers estimate that about 50% of patients undergoing laparoscopic repair experience small anatomic recurrences at long-term follow-up.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Licorice
Licorice, derived from thelicorice root, has long beenused to treat heartburnand other gastrointestinal symptoms.
While research remains lacking, some studies have suggested that it has its place alongside traditional acid-blocking medications.
Licorice tea is one of the more common forms used.
Ginger
Ginger is another popular option that may help alleviate heartburn symptoms.
However, if used in excess, ginger may have the opposite effect.
Ginger can be purchased as a tea or in powder, capsule, or liquid formulations.
Summary
A hiatal hernia is a common condition that can cause heartburn and other GERD-like symptoms.
Your healthcare provider may suggest lifestyle changes, OTC antacids, or prescription medications to reduce your symptoms.
For a more severe case, known as paraesophageal hernia, surgery may be needed to prevent serious complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
A hiatal hernia is usually because of increased pressure in the abdominal cavity.
Both laparoscopic and open repairsurgeriescan take two to three hours.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for GER & GERD.
2018;6(8):176-182. doi:10.12998/wjcc.v6.i8.176
Cedars-Sinai.Hiatal Hernia.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Eating, diet, and nutrition for GER and GERD.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Smoking and the Digestive System.
Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES).Guidelines for the Management of Hiatal Hernia.
UConn Health Esophageal Disease Center.Hiatal & paraesophageal hernias.
Lee DP, Chang KJ.Endoscopic Management of GERD.Dig Dis Sci.2022 May;67(5):1455-1468. doi:10.1007/s10620-022-07390-2.
2016;20(1):e2015.00104.
Yeh A, Golianu B.Integrative treatment of reflux and functional dyspepsia in children.Children(Basel).
2014;1(2):119-33. doi:10.3390/children1020119
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Hiatal hernia.
U.S. National Library of Medicine.
