In patients without a hiatal hernia, the stomach is in the abdominal cavity. However, in patients with hiatal hernia, a part of the stomach goes through the diaphragm, the muscle separating the abdominal cavity from the chest cavity. Although you can have a hiatal hernia without having GERD, often, the hiatal hernia is linked to Acid reflux (GERD) through several mechanisms.
How a Hiatal Hernia Contributes to Acid Reflux
At the lower end of the Esophagus, the tube that brings the food from the mouth to the Stomach, there is a one-way valve in health. This valve lets the food into the stomach but prevents acid from going into the stomach. In the presence of a hiatal hernia, this valve does not work well and lets the acid go back into the esophagus. This acid in the Esophagus leads to heartburn. Larger the hiatal hernia, the more severe these GERD symptoms tend to be.
Potential Complications of Chronic Acid Reflux
In the presence of chronic reflux of acid into the Esophagus, the lining of the Esophagus is damaged and can lead to conditions called Barrett’s esophagus, a precursor to Esophageal cancer.
Thus, not all hiatal hernia patients have Acid reflux symptoms, but in some, it leads to failure of the one-way valve and leads to the Stomach acid to reflux into the Esophagus leading to Acid reflux (GERD) symptoms of heartburn and chest pain. These patients over time can develop precursors to Esophageal cancer.
Schedule a Consultation in Southfield, MI
If you are experiencing symptoms of acid reflux or have been diagnosed with a hiatal hernia, expert care is available with Dr. Kolachalam in Southfield, MI. Early evaluation and treatment can help prevent complications and improve your quality of life. Call us today at (248) 662-4272 to schedule a consultation.