Hernia of the esophagus: what is it and what does it eat?

The hernia of the esophagus is characterized by the displacement of the organs of the digestive system into the cavity of the thorax through the esophageal opening of the diaphragm. As a rule, congenital disease of this kind is observed quite rarely. The main cause of the development of the hernia of the esophageal opening are the age-related changes in the organism. In addition, often along with this disease, there is a parallel occurrence of inguinal hernia.

Hernia of the esophagus can also occur due to a sudden increase in intra-abdominal pressure. The reasons for this kind of increase are the presence of permanent constipation, and they can be associated with regular lifting of heavy objects, which are accompanied by inclines forward. In addition, a jump in intra-abdominal pressure can trigger a stroke in the abdominal cavity.

The structure of the development of the disease can be described as follows: when the human body is subjected to certain loads that are not characteristic of it, the esophageal opening in the diaphragm expands, and through it the stomach as it were slightly "falls" into the thorax. Depending on the size of this hole through it, some part of the intestine can also penetrate.

Symptoms of a hernia of the esophagus, as a rule, in most patients are as follows:

1. Heartburn, which occurs continuously regardless of the fullness of the stomach. It can become aggravated when lying down, or when the body leans forward.
2. An eructation that can cause severe bouts of pain.
3. Pain after swallowing food (dysphagia). In this case, in parallel, painful sensations arise behind the sternum, giving to the region of the left shoulder and scapula. There may be a feeling of lack of air or incompleteness of inspiration.
4. The sick often hiccups.
5. Perhaps a sharp increase in blood pressure.
6. At night, there is a dry cough and shortness of breath, a voice in the morning seems hoarse.

As a rule, the hernia of the esophagus is diagnosed by X-ray examination. The earlier the disease is discovered, the easier it will be to treat it. Problems in this, as a rule, do not arise, since the disease has been studied sufficiently. The most important thing is to prevent the development of such formidable complications as bleeding, infringement of the hernia or perforation of the esophagus.

There are several methods of treating this disease - conservative and operative. The essence of the first method consists in taking medications that are aimed at reducing acidity, protecting the gastric mucosa from destruction by gastric juice.

Diet in the hernia of the esophagus is aimed at normalizing digestion and regulating acidity:

1. First of all, meals should be fractional and frequent (at least five times a day). Overeating is strictly prohibited.
2. After you finish eating, you must not lie down for at least half an hour. Better at this time to walk or just stand.
3. From the diet should be excluded products, the use of which contributes to the occurrence of bowel flatulence, - dairy products, rye bread, raw cabbage, legumes, carbonated drinks. It is necessary to shorten the intake of fried, fatty foods, rich first courses. All these products increase gastric secretion.

If you have a hernia of the esophagus, you need to make sure that you do not have constipation as carefully as possible. The intestine should work stably. You also need to limit the amount of physical activity, which is accompanied by slopes and regular lifting of weights.

In addition to diet, you need to comply with sleep. Sleep on a slightly raised head or on several pillows. Just before bedtime you need to drink half a glass of alkaline mineral water. Remember that if you do not follow the diet and regimen, the disease will progress and surgery will be required.