Hiatus Hernia Causes
- While a hernia can occur in several different places in the body, a hiatal hernia forms at the point where the esophagus meets the stomach. Most hernias occur due to a weakness in one part of the body where a portion can push through the skin. In those with a hiatus hernia, the area around the esophagus and diaphragm becomes loose over time. These types of hernias most often occur in those over age 50, according to the Mayo Clinic. Other conditions, such as esophageal cancer, kyphoscoliosis, injury or surgery can cause weakness as well.
- Once the diaphragm weakens, pressure in the abdomen can cause the stomach to rise up into the chest. This condition can be exaggerated due to a number of causes, such as obesity, pregnancy or physical exertion, such as straining, coughing, bending or exercising. As a general rule, anything that places extreme pressure on the abdomen can cause a hiatus hernia.
Almost 90 percent of the hiatus hernia cases are known as sliding hernias. This means that the hernia slides up into the esophagus due to the above-mentioned actions and then lowers back into place. Many times, the sliding hernia causes little to no symptoms because the opening is small. - While many hiatus hernias are sliding, there are alternate forms of hiatus hernias that may occur that can cause more severe symptoms.
A fixed hiatus hernia occurs when the stomach is permanently caught into the chest. When the opening becomes significantly larger than a sliding hernia, the hernia can become stuck in place. While the hernia itself may not cause symptoms, this type of hernia is more prone to cause esophageal conditions and infections.
The most serious form of hiatus hernia is a complicated hiatus hernia, where the entire stomach moves into the chest. This can occur due to severe weakening in the stomach, which can be caused due to long-term esophageal reflux. While these hernias are not common, they can cause serious problems and requires surgery to repair.
