{"id":3696,"date":"2019-02-06T07:06:00","date_gmt":"2019-02-06T07:06:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=3696"},"modified":"2021-05-03T17:27:07","modified_gmt":"2021-05-03T17:27:07","slug":"10-troublesome-hiatal-hernia-symptoms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/10-troublesome-hiatal-hernia-symptoms\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Troublesome Hiatal Hernia Symptoms"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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A hernia <\/a>is a painful condition that is caused by the protrusion of an organ through the muscle wall. Normally, our organs are held tightly in place by a number of different structures. These include our \u2018fascia\u2019 which is a thin band of muscle tissue that wraps our internal organs like clingfilm, as well as our bones and the rest of our smooth muscle tissue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every now and then though, damage to one of these structures can cause the internal organs to move in unexpected ways. In the case of the hiatal hernia, the organ in question is the hernia, and the muscle in question is the diaphragm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We normally associate hernias with a bulging lump that appears on the stomach and that coincides with blinding pain when moving. However, in the case of a hiatal hernia, the symptoms are a little different \u2013 though no less uncomfortable and serious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read on to discover 8 of the most notable symptoms of hiatal hernia, so that you can better diagnose it in yourself and others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Difficulty Breathing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned, in the case of hiatal hernia, the organ that is protruding and causing the problem in the stomach <\/a>and the muscle being affected is the diaphragm. In other words, the stomach is pushing upwards and through the diaphragm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The diaphragm, of course, is a band of muscle that sits underneath the lungs. Its job is to help to expand and contract the lungs, thereby increasing and reducing the vacuum in order to allow more or less air in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As you can imagine then, the damage caused to the diaphragm can create issues when breathing. You might find that you struggle to breathe in and out all the way, it may be painful, and you might find that you feel like you can\u2019t quite get a full breath at any time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is likely to be particularly noticeable when climbing the stairs or otherwise engaging in light exercise. Of course, there are many other causes for shortness of breath (such as anemia) so you should look for this symptom along with others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Chest Pain<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When you experience an inguinal hernia \u2013 a hernia affecting the abdominal muscles \u2013 it is easy to associate the intense pain with the sudden lump you notice on your stomach or upper groin. However, it is much more difficult to identify the cause of discomfort when the hernia is internal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thus you should look for signs of chest pain, which many describe as being \u2018blinding\u2019 in that it is all-encompassing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This pain <\/a>might also get worse when you move or when you breathe, and your chest expands. You may be able to get some relief by bending your body in the correct way, by applying a warm (not hot) compress, taking a warm bath, or using analgesics (painkillers). <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Reflux<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The diaphragm <\/a>is affected by the stomach pushing through it, but of course, this situation is also rather hard on the stomach. In particular, you may find that you experience more reflux.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reflux is caused when food and stomach acids pass the wrong way through the esophagus. This can then cause them to get stuck, where they cause a burning sensation felt in the chest and in the throat. You might also notice discomfort in the back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, there are other serious causes of chest pain, so it\u2019s important that you get this checked over early on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While many of us think of reflux and indigestion as being a minor nuisance, the truth is that it can be overwhelmingly painful in its own right: so it\u2019s something you may want to manage. Using an antacid and avoiding certain foods can help you to reduce this type of pain and go about your normal business more easily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Difficulty Swallowing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As well as reflux<\/a>, you might also notice that you experience difficulty when trying to swallow. This is an obvious result of the pain caused to both the stomach and the diaphragm. When you swallow, this, of course, uses both those structures as you are forced to move your esophagus and to allow the food to enter the stomach. If you can\u2019t properly move your diaphragm, then you will struggle to create the necessary movement to swallow the food, and you might also feel discomfort when the food enters your stomach. This can be very painful and make it difficult to eat \u2013 causing weight loss in those who experience the problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have difficulty swallowing and struggle with reflux, then you should try to change your diet to compensate. Eat bland, alkaline foods, and avoid anything that is difficult to swallow or digest. It is important to make sure you get enough food and particularly that you stay hydrated. Water is also a useful relief for reflux.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Difficulty Moving<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You might also find that you feel pain when you move. This is because most movements will involve the stomach and the chest, whether you are bending, sitting, torqueing, or making any other common movement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This pain can make it very difficult for you to go about your usual activities, and it also means you\u2019ll have difficulty with other everyday occurrences. For instance, the next time you sneeze you will find it is very painful! Bowel movements can also be painful as you are forced to push using your ab muscles<\/a>, and it can also be difficult to cough or laugh. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Vomiting Blood<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A serious hernia can actually cause internal bleeding, and this can then enter the stomach and the oesophagus <\/a>along with stomach acids. This can be enough to make you cough or vomit blood, and that\u2019s especially true if your hernia is also an incarcerated hernia. This is a hernia that is permanently trapped by the muscle it is pushing through and is being strangled by that muscle. This, in turn, causes constant pain from which there is no relief and also prevents the usual blood supply to that muscle \u2013 in this case, the stomach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That in turn then causes the organ to fail to function as normal, which in turn will mean that you are likely to experience further issues with such things as digestion, stomach pain, and vomiting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Black Stools<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Black stools indicate potential gastrointestinal bleeding. As mentioned, the hiatal hernia can cause internal bleeding, which can fill the stomach. While some of this will make its way out through the vomit, some might also find its way into the stool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The darkness of stool is always an indication of how far the blood has traveled. Light-colored blood <\/a>is often a sign of broken skin around the anus or similar damage, while darker blood in the stool is a sign of something more serious. This can be a sign of other issues too, such as cancer, so again this is a symptom that you should never ignore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Tiredness and Fever<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes it is not the pain and discomfort itself that takes the biggest toll, but rather the effect that these can have on your mood and your energy levels. Being in constant pain is exhausting and incredibly distressing<\/a>. This can really wreak havoc on your energy, your mood, and your ability to go about your usual activities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you notice tiredness and lethargy, this can be an early subtle cue that something is wrong in your body. Time to take it easy and to look out for other signs. And if you\u2019re worried: always see a doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Passing Out<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In some cases, pain can be so severe that it causes you to literally pass out and lose consciousness<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While this might come as a surprise given the subjective and somewhat psychosomatic nature of pain, it happens because of the way that pain can influence the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is a nerve that helps to control the autonomic nervous system \u2013 which includes the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system (fight or flight, and rest and digest). In other words, the vagus nerve helps to control our breathing and is responsible for the hyperventilation that we experience when very scared for instance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the case of extreme pain, this too can stimulate the vagus nerve and thereby cause fainting (vasovagal syncope). This is a similar mechanism that causes people to \u2018swoon\u2019 or to pass out at the sight of blood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many people when they first experience the hernia will find that they feel overwhelming pain that then causes them to collapse. When they come around, they then discover that it is difficult for them to move and they may then go on to experience acid reflux, vomiting, and other symptoms of the condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Insomnia<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It should perhaps come as no surprise that hiatal hernia can cause insomnia<\/a>. Given the significant amount of pain that you are likely to be experiencing, it follows that it will also become more difficult to drift off to sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not only that, but alterations to your breathing and issues like acid reflux can further challenge your ability to sleep. Even if you do <\/em>get to sleep, you may find that you experience a more shallow sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once again, it\u2019s important to consider how this tiredness can negatively impact on your recovery. It also means that you are likely to feel some of the other symptoms more strongly \u2013 as being overtired makes us more sensitive to pain and more likely to pass out, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you struggle to sleep due to the discomfort, then you may wish to try seeking out remedies that can help to alleviate the pain. Raising the head of your bed by six inches can be helpful for example. You should also avoid eating right before bed and avoid lying down at all after you have finished the food. Avoid certain foods such as chocolate, onions, or spicy ingredients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Difficulty Moving<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are suffering from a hiatal hernia, then you might find that it\u2019s very difficult to move. This, of course, can be even more of an issue for those suffering from hernias of the abdominal wall. The abdominal muscles are involved in a huge range of motions and even keep us upright when we walk around: essentially preventing us from doubling over backward under the strain of our posterior chain. This means that any movement as simple as trying to bend over or stand up fully can place pressure on the hernia and thereby exacerbate the pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the case of the hiatal hernia, this is less obvious and it\u2019s more difficult to identify what precisely is causing the discomfort. But with that said, you may still find that this condition makes it harder to move, and you might feel discomfort in the upper abs, in the diaphragm, or in the lungs<\/a>. This might then make it harder for you to move around freely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Risk Factors<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are many risk factors<\/a> associated with a hiatal hernia. While these are not symptoms as such, it can be useful to consider them when trying to diagnose your own discomfort. A risk factor is essentially any factor or any variable that makes you slightly more likely to suffer from this type of hernia. Therefore, if you have symptoms that may be explained by a hiatal hernia and <\/em>you tick off many of these points, you may be more inclined to consider this as the explanation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Numerous things make you more likely to experience this type of hernia. These include obesity, straining when performing movements, wearing very tight belts, smoking, age, and gender. So if you\u2019re male, you smoke a lot, you were wearing a tight belt, and then you bent over to pick something up: then there is a higher than average chance that you might be suffering from a hiatal hernia.
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