The first type is known as the sliding hiatal hernia and is the most common type of hernias.
In the sliding hernia, the stomach and the section of the esophagus that connects to the stomach push slide up into the chest wall and through the weakened opening.
The second type of hiatal hernia is less common and is known as a paraesophageal hernia. Although less common, it is more serious than the sliding hiatal hernia.
With the paraesophageal hernia, the esophagus and stomach stay tucked into their traditional but a portion of the stomach manages to force its way through the hiatus and move into position next to the esophagus.
In this serious health condition you may exhibit no hiatal hernia symptoms but you could be experiencing a condition in which the blood supply to the stomach is literally cut off. This could lead to complications such as tissue death. This hiatal hernia could require surgical repair if it is serious enough.
Hiatal hernias develop for reasons including injuries to the area and performing bodily actions, such as pregnancy, weight gain, or even straining during a bowel movement, all of which can increase intrabdominal pressure. This increased pressure is thought to possibly contribute to the development of a hiatal hernia.
Some folks who suffer from a hiatal hernia may not experience obvious symptoms. Most commonly one of the initial symptoms of a hiatal hernia are symptoms similar to GERD otherwise known as gastroesophageal reflux disease.
These symptoms of hiatal hernia occur because the hernia interferes with proper functioning of the lower esophageal sphincter. When the sphincter works properly it keeps the stomach acid from refluxing upwards into the esophagus.
So you can get the picture, if it functions poorly the stomach acid pushes up and into the esophagus causing pain and irritation. Your physician may choose to order either an x-ray or endoscopy in order to definitively diagnose a hiatal hernia.
This abnormality in the esophagus must be properly diagnosed in order to effectively treat the underlying issue. It is important to note that some hiatal hernias can be rather serious and can even require surgical intervention. So if you are experiencing symptoms of GERD which may indicate a more serious hiatal hernia it is important that you see your healthcare provide in order to get a proper diagnosis. A hiatal hernia is not something that should be ignored, it is a serious matter and requires treatment.