Gurdaspur, Punjab:
Modern lifestyle, irregular eating habits, and stress have significantly increased the risk of digestive disorders. Common issues such as heartburn, sour burps, or stomach discomfort may sometimes be symptoms of a more serious condition — one such hidden ailment is Hiatal Hernia. This condition develops gradually and, if left untreated, can lead to major complications.
Dr. Fayyaz, a renowned gastroenterologist at Abrol Hospital (A Unit of EMC Hospitals), Gurdaspur, shared detailed insights into the condition. He explained that a hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach pushes upward through the diaphragm — the muscle that separates the chest and abdomen. The diaphragm has a small opening called the hiatus through which the esophagus (food pipe) passes. When a portion of the stomach moves up through this opening, it results in a hiatal hernia.
According to Dr. Fayyaz, there are two main types of hiatal hernia — sliding hernia and paraesophageal hernia.
- In a sliding hernia, the stomach and lower part of the esophagus slide up through the diaphragm, which is the most common form and usually causes acid reflux or heartburn.
- In a paraesophageal hernia, part of the stomach pushes up beside the esophagus while the esophagus stays in its normal position. Though less common, this type can cause serious complications such as obstruction of blood flow to the stomach.
Dr. Fayyaz emphasized that symptoms of hiatal hernia are often mistaken for routine acidity or gas. Common signs include frequent heartburn, sour burps, chest or abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, and a feeling of fullness or bloating. He warned that if these symptoms occur repeatedly, it might not just be acidity — it could be a hiatal hernia.
Several factors contribute to the development of this condition. With age, the diaphragm muscles weaken, increasing the risk of hernia. Other causes include obesity, persistent coughing, vomiting, constipation, or increased abdominal pressure during pregnancy. Unhealthy eating habits, late-night meals, and excessive intake of spicy or oily foods can also trigger the problem.
Dr. Fayyaz explained that treatment depends on the severity of the hernia. Mild cases can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes, while severe cases may require laparoscopic surgery. Some simple but effective lifestyle modifications include maintaining a healthy weight, eating smaller and more frequent meals, avoiding lying down immediately after eating, limiting spicy and fatty foods, and keeping the head elevated while sleeping.
He advised, “Heartburn or acidity may seem minor, but ignoring it can be dangerous. If these symptoms occur frequently, it could be a sign of hiatal hernia. Early diagnosis and timely treatment can completely control this condition.” Dr. Fayyaz further added that while hiatal hernia is becoming increasingly common today, it can be fully treated if detected in its early stages.
Abrol Hospital (A Unit of EMC Hospitals), Gurdaspur, stands as a leading center for gastroenterology and surgery, equipped with advanced technology and a team of experienced specialists. The hospital offers modern facilities such as endoscopy, gastric testing, and minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgeries to ensure precise diagnosis and high-quality treatment.
In conclusion, Dr. Fayyaz urged people to be proactive about their health:
“Health is your right — don’t ignore heartburn.”
If you experience frequent acidity, sour burps, or chest discomfort, consult a specialist without delay. Abrol Hospital (A Unit of EMC Hospitals), Gurdaspur, provides advanced diagnosis and treatment for all types of gastrointestinal disorders, including hiatal hernia.
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