About this topic
Hiatal hernia is when part of the stomach is up in the chest. It sticks up through the muscle that divides the chest and abdomen. This muscle is called the diaphragm. It keeps stomach acid from going back up the swallowing tube. The swallowing tube is called the esophagus. ‚
View OriginalView Original
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Do not wear tight clothing over your belly. Wear clothes and belts that are loose around your waist.
- Raise the head of the bed up 6 to 8 inches or use a wedge pillow. This position may keep stomach acid from getting into the esophagus.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Lower stomach acid
- Stop heartburn
- Help with pain
Will physical activity be limited?
- You may have to limit your activity. Talk to the doctor about the right amount of activity for you. Avoid sports that involve lifting heavy things and bending. This can cause stress on your belly.
- Avoid straining. Having trouble passing stool or hard stools may make your hernia worse.
What changes to diet are needed?
- Avoid large, heavy meals. Eat a few small meals throughout the day.
- Avoid drinking too much with meals.
- Wait at least 2 to 3 hours after eating before lying down or bending over.
- Avoid foods that may upset the stomach. Some people have an upset belly after:
- Coffee
- Citrus fruits and juices
- Tomato products
- Hot peppers
- Fizzy drinks
- Chocolate
- Peppermint
- Fatty foods
- Beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol)
What problems could happen?
- Lower blood levels of iron
- No blood flow to hernia
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Keep a healthy weight.
- Lose weight if you are overweight.
- Avoid smoking. Ask for help if its hard to quit.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Heartburn that is worse when bending over or lying down
- Swallowing problems
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my diet or drugs.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have more heartburn when I am bending over or lying down.
Where can I learn more?
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hernia-hiatus/pages/introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚