What are the Different Types of Cures for Hiatal Hernia?

The different types of cures for hiatal hernia involve medication, natural remedies and surgery. Lifestyle changes such reducing stress, losing weight, exercising and consuming a healthy diet have also been shown to be effective cures for hiatal hernia. Surgery is performed as a last resort when the symptoms become chronic and natural hiatal hernia remedies, medications and lifestyle changes do not work.

A hiatal hernia is also known as a hiatus hernia or a stomach hernia. It is a condition in which part of the stomach pushes up through the opening of the diaphragm, and into the chest area. The two types of stomach hernias include a sliding hiatal hernia and a paraesophageal hiatal hernia.

A sliding hiatal hernia is when the stomach is able to slide in and out of the chest area, and it usually results in the same symptoms as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Therefore, the hiatal hernia treatments are often the same as for GERD, which include antacids, proton pump inhibitors and histamine2 (H2) receptor blockers. In severe cases, laparoscopic surgery is performed to slide the stomach back into the abdomen area. To prevent the herniation from reoccurring, the esophagus hiatus is made smaller, and the upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the lower sphincter.

Paraesophageal hernias are rare, but they usually are more serious, because part of the stomach pushes up into the chest and remains situated next to the esophagus. It can result in chest pains, ulcers and an obstruction in the esophagus, making it difficult for the food to pass through. Again, laparoscopic surgery is performed in severe cases. In this procedure, the stomach is brought back into the abdomen area, and the diaphragm is secured to the esophagus.

Hiatal hernias have been linked to excessive pressure in the abdomen area. The pressure is often the result of stress, excess weight, pregnancy, heavy lifting or bending. Tight clothes and slouching can also contribute to the herniation. Therefore, releasing the pressure in the abdomen by reducing stress, losing weight, and avoiding heavy lifting, bending and tight clothes can serve as effective cures for hiatal hernia.

Natural cures for hiatal hernia include drinking herbal teas such as those made with chamomile, slippery elm and ginger. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, along with drinking freshly made fruit and vegetable juices, is also effective in curing hiatal hernias. Consuming meals in small and frequent portions and avoiding hot and cold items can help in reducing the symptoms. Processed foods, refined foods, coffee, alcohol and cigarettes should be avoided, because they can cause the symptoms to worsen.

Other cures for hiatal hernia include yoga and deep breathing exercises. Breathing exercises can help to relieve stress as well as strengthen the diaphragm, which in turn can help prevent the herniation from reoccurring. Sleeping at an incline will help to reduce the symptoms, because it creates a natural gravitational pull that prevents the stomach acids from rising.