10. Hiatal Hernia: When Your Stomach Thinks It’s a Contortionist
In the case of a hiatal hernia, part of your stomach pushes up through your diaphragm and into the chest cavity. Sounds like a medical oddity, but it’s more common than you’d think. When this happens, it can impede the function of the lower esophageal sphincter, enabling stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus.
It’s not just mechanical failure, though. The hernia’s positioning can interfere with the esophagus’s ability to clear acid. This results in extended exposure to stomach acid, leading to irritation and the familiar symptoms of GERD.
Ever wondered why GERD often occurs when you’re lying down? With a hiatal hernia, gravity is no longer your friend. The recumbent position makes it easier for stomach contents to flow back up, especially if you’ve got a hernia complicating the situation.
Surgery can sometimes resolve the issue, but not everyone with a hiatal hernia will require such drastic measures. Sometimes, dietary changes and lifestyle alterations can manage symptoms sufficiently, even with a hernia in the mix.
That said, if you’ve explored other potential causes of your GERD and come up short, it may be worth asking your healthcare provider about the possibility of a hiatal hernia. It’s one of those conditions that often flies under the radar but can have a major impact on your quality of life. (10)
