What is gastric hernia?

Apr 17, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Feng
Introduction
Gastric hernia refers to hiatal hernia, which is caused by excessive gastric acid, increased intra-abdominal pressure, or abnormalities in the structure of the esophageal hiatus or diaphragm. Gastroesophageal acid reflux leads to reflexive contraction of the longitudinal smooth muscle of the esophagus and shortening of the esophagus, resulting in hiatal hernia. Elevated intra-abdominal pressure can trigger hiatal hernia. Congenital enlargement of the esophageal hiatus, diaphragmatic injury, or laxity of diaphragmatic tissue may also lead to hiatal hernia.

Hiatal hernia, generally referring to gastroesophageal hiatal hernia, may be caused by factors such as excessive gastric acid, increased intra-abdominal pressure, or structural abnormalities of the esophageal hiatus or diaphragm. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Excessive Gastric Acid

When excessive gastric acid is secreted, it may reflux into the esophagus, causing reflexive contraction of the longitudinal smooth muscle of the esophagus and shortening of the esophagus, which can lead to the development of a hiatal hernia.

2. Increased Intra-abdominal Pressure

Conditions such as intense physical activity, severe obesity, straining during bowel movements, chronic coughing, or vomiting may cause sustained or sudden increases in intra-abdominal pressure, potentially triggering a hiatal hernia.

3. Structural Abnormalities of the Esophageal Hiatus or Diaphragm

Congenital enlargement of the esophageal hiatus, trauma or surgical injury to the diaphragm, or age-related degeneration of organs—including loosening and weakening of the diaphragmatic tissue—may all contribute to structural abnormalities in the esophageal hiatus or diaphragm, leading to the occurrence of a hiatal hernia.

In addition, conditions such as scoliosis or kyphosis may also cause relaxation of the diaphragmatic muscles, increasing the risk of developing a hiatal hernia. It is recommended to actively seek treatment under the guidance of a physician to manage and recover from the condition.

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