Hernia of the esophagus - causes

Hernia of the esophagus in rare cases can be congenital, but more often than not it is an acquired disease. This pathology does not have specific, inherent symptoms only, and it can often be confused with other diseases. This is the reason that in ⅓ cases of a hernia comes to a neglected state. It is diagnosed with X-ray or endoscopy.

Axial hernia of the esophagus

The esophagus passes through the thorax, which is separated from the abdominal cavity by a diaphragm consisting of muscle tissue. Below the diaphragm, the esophagus passes into the stomach. When the diaphragm loses its elasticity, the diaphragmatic opening widens. The lower part of the esophagus begins to bulge above the diaphragm into the thoracic region. Less often the upper part of the stomach moves to the area above the diaphragm. These phenomena are called axial hernia of the esophagus.

Slipping hernia of esophagus

One of the axial varieties is the so-called sliding hernia of the esophagus. In this case, the displacement or protrusion of parts of the esophagus or stomach occurs along the vertical axis and depends on the position of the human body.

Causes of hiatal hernia

Causes that contribute to the development of this pathology of the digestive system, there may be many.

Congenital anomalies in the development of hernia of the esophagus include:

• infringement of a diaphragm still in prenatal development;
• shortened esophagus.

Such acquired causes include:

• frequent overeating;
• excessive gassing in the stomach;
• chronic constipation;
• overweight;
• incorrect posture while eating;
• pregnancy, severe childbirth;
• excessive physical exertion;
• prolonged cough;
• abdominal injury;
• trauma of the chest ;
• lung diseases;
• diseases accompanied by indomitable vomiting;
• motor disorder in the digestive system;
• chronic liver diseases (left atrophy), pancreas;
• inflammatory processes of the diaphragm itself or next to it;
• bad habits;
• wearing tight belts;
• weakening of muscles and ligaments of the esophagus with age;
• thinning or resorption of adipose tissue under the diaphragm;
• displacement or squeezing of internal organs during pregnancy;
• operations on the esophagus;
• muscle tension of the abdominal cavity;
• high intra-abdominal pressure.

You should also know that swallowing too hot food causes thermal burns of the esophagus, which contributes to its reduction and can lead to the formation of a hernia.

Symptoms of a hernia of the esophagus

The most common symptoms of herniation of the esophagus include the following:

1. Pain between the shoulder blades after eating. The sensations in a prone position or at physical activities amplify. The pain manifests itself during the tilt forward - the so-called "lace" symptom. Reduce the pain helps a glass of water, you can with the addition of soda.
2. Difficulty swallowing food (dysphagia).
3. Spasms surrounding the pain in the abdominal cavity, bloating.
4. Heartburn , hiccough after eating, sour belch.