Hiatal hernia is a medical condition that occurs when a part of your stomach moves up through the diaphragm into your chest. It can cause symptoms like heartburn, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing. While medical intervention is necessary in severe cases, there are various ways of treating hiatal hernia yourself.
We will discuss some of the most effective methods to alleviate symptoms and fix a hiatal hernia naturally. Whether you’re experiencing mild or severe symptoms, read on to learn how to handle hiatal hernia at home without relying solely on medication or surgery.
What is a Hiatal Hernia?
Although some people with hiatal hernias are asymptomatic, others experience symptoms that can impact their daily life. It is not possible to make a hiatal hernia go away without medical care, but lifestyle changes and home remedies can help manage symptoms and prevent reoccurrence. It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect you have a hiatal hernia, as untreated hernias can lead to serious complications such as a strangulated hernia. By better understanding hiatal hernias and their management options, individuals can take steps to improve their quality of life and avoid surgery.
Different Types of Hiatal Hernias
Understanding the Different Types of Hiatal Hernias is crucial to properly managing this condition. Hiatal hernias occur when a part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm and into the chest cavity, with sliding and paraesophageal (or rolling) hernias being the two types.
Over 80% of hiatal hernias are sliding and involve the stomach and esophagus moving in and out of the chest area, while rolling hernias affect around 5-15% of people and occurs when part of the stomach moves through the diaphragm. If left untreated, people with hiatal hernias are at risk of developing gastrointestinal reflux disease and a strangulated hernia, which can lead to severe complications. It is essential to seek medical attention and not attempt to remedy the hernia at home.
Why Seek Medical Attention
In some cases, treatment for hiatal hernias may require medical attention from a doctor. Diagnosis often occurs during a test or procedure to determine the cause of chest or upper abdominal pain or heartburn. Treatment options can include medications or surgery. Medications such as antacids, H-2-receptor blockers, and proton pump inhibitors may be recommended to reduce acid production or heal the esophagus.
Surgery is generally used for those who are not helped by medications or have severe complications. It is important to contact a medical professional before making any behavioral changes or trying any over-the-counter medications.
If left untreated, hiatal hernias can lead to complications such as a strangulated hernia, which can be life-threatening.
Lifestyle Changes
al hernia is difficulty swallowing, which is caused by the stomach pushing against the esophagus. People may also experience chest pain, shortness of breath, and a feeling of fullness in the abdomen.
Lifestyle changes can help manage and prevent symptoms of a hiatal hernia. These include losing weight if you are overweight, avoiding foods that trigger heartburn, eating smaller meals more frequently, avoiding lying down after meals, and quitting smoking.
These changes can help reduce pressure on the stomach and prevent acid reflux. However, as always, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before making any lifestyle changes or trying any home remedies.
Medication and Surgery Options for Hiatal Hernia
acid. Medications such as antacids, H-2-receptor blockers, and proton pump inhibitors are available to treat GERD and reduce stomach acid production. If these medications do not provide relief, surgery may be necessary. Surgery involves pulling the stomach down into the abdomen and reconstructing the esophageal sphincter. In severe cases, surgery may be combined with weight-loss surgery.
However, it is important to note that surgery is usually reserved for those who have not found relief from other treatments or have complications such as severe inflammation or narrowing of the esophagus. It is always recommended to speak with a doctor before attempting any self-treatment for a hiatal hernia.
Home Remedies for Hiatal Hernia Management
Home remedies can help in managing the symptoms of a hiatal hernia.
Self-massage can help reduce discomfort by strengthening the abdominal muscles, and a warm water fix can relax abdominal muscles and diaphragm, bringing down the hernia.
Apple cider vinegar’s anti-inflammatory properties can treat symptoms such as heartburn and acidity.
Chamomile and slippery elm teas can soothe the stomach lining. Modifying the diet, losing weight (if needed), avoiding tight clothes, and quitting smoking can prevent aggravated symptoms.
It is important to consult a doctor and seek medical help immediately if one experiences chest pain or nausea, or have difficulty passing gas or emptying bowels.
Self-Massage as a Solution
If you’re looking for a simple solution for your hiatal hernia discomfort, self-massage may be a great option for you.
By targeting the uppermost portion of the abdominal cavity, self-massage can help to reduce the symptoms of hiatal hernia and strengthen the abdominal muscles. To perform a self-massage, lie on your back and locate your ribcage just below your breastbone.
Apply pressure in a downward direction towards your belly button, massaging the area for at least five minutes twice a day. This easy technique not only provides relief but can also be done in the comfort of your own home.
Warm Water Fix for Hiatal Hernia Symptoms
The Warm Water fix is a simple and effective way to help relieve the symptoms of hiatal hernia. Start your day by drinking a glass of lukewarm or room temperature water while still in bed. This helps relax the abdominal muscles and diaphragm, reducing the opening in the diaphragm where the hernia occurs.
Follow this up with a few exercises – rise quickly up and down on your toes and heels, and raise your arms up while taking short, quick breaths with your mouth open for 15 seconds.
These exercises help tighten the diaphragm back up and close the hole, providing instant relief.
Using Apple Cider Vinegar for Hiatal Hernia Relief
In treating a hiatal hernia, one natural remedy option is to use apple cider vinegar. Despite its acidic nature, apple cider vinegar produces an alkaline effect in the body, which can help alleviate inflammation in the stomach, heartburn, and acidity caused by a hiatal hernia.
To use apple cider vinegar, mix a few drops of raw apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm water and drink it every day before meals. It is worth noting that while natural remedies may provide relief, it is still best to consult with a doctor as hiatal hernias may require other treatments or surgery.
De-stress and Stay Hydrated for Hiatal Hernia Relief
In addition to dietary changes and natural remedies, managing stress and staying hydrated throughout the day can also help with hiatal hernia relief. Stress can aggravate the symptoms of hernias, so it is important to make time for relaxation activities such as meditation, yoga or deep breathing exercises.
Dehydration can also worsen symptoms, as it can cause constipation and strain on the digestive system. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day and avoiding caffeinated or alcoholic beverages can help keep you hydrated and reduce hernia symptoms.
Make sure to consult your doctor before trying any new treatment or remedy to ensure that it is safe for your specific situation.
