Diaphragmatic Hernia

It is a condition that occurs when the abdominal organs slide into the chest cavity. It is usually caused by a congenital weakness. However, it can also develop after trauma or surgical interventions. This condition can cause symptoms such as difficulty breathing, heartburn, and chest pain. While diagnosis is made with imaging methods, treatment may require surgical intervention. Early diagnosis and treatment are important in reducing the risk of complications.

Types of Diaphragmatic Hernia

It is a condition that occurs when organs slide into the chest cavity through a weak point in the diaphragm muscle. The diaphragm is a muscular membrane that separates the chest and abdominal cavities. Weaknesses in this area can cause organs to shift. Diaphragmatic hernia can be seen in different types due to various congenital or acquired causes.

Hiatal Hernia: The most common type of diaphragmatic hernia. The stomach slides into the chest cavity through the hiatus, which is the opening in the diaphragm through which the esophagus passes. There are two types of hiatal hernias: sliding and paraesophageal hernia.

In the sliding type, the junction of the stomach and esophagus rises above the diaphragm. In the paraesophageal type, the stomach slides into the chest cavity from a separate area next to the esophagus. Symptoms such as heartburn, reflux and difficulty swallowing are usually observed.

Bochdalek Hernia: a type of congenital diaphragmatic hernia that is usually diagnosed before birth. It occurs behind the diaphragm, when the abdominal organs slide into the chest cavity. It is most common on the left side and can affect lung development in babies, causing serious respiratory problems.

Morgagni Hernia: usually occurs in the opening between the chest cavity and the abdominal cavity, in front of the diaphragm. Morgagni hernia is rare and is mostly congenital. Symptoms are usually mild. However, there may be a risk of compression due to the stomach or intestines shifting from this area into the chest cavity.

Types of diaphragmatic hernia show different symptoms depending on the size and location of the disease. Treatment is usually surgical and is planned according to the type of hernia, symptoms and the general health status of the person. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent complications.

Diaphragmatic Hernia Symptoms

Diaphragmatic hernia occurs when abdominal organs slide into the chest cavity due to weakness in the diaphragm. This can lead to various symptoms due to the displacement of the organs.

One of the most common symptoms is heartburn. Reflux, which occurs when stomach acid leaks into the esophagus, is particularly associated with a hiatal hernia. Heartburn can cause a burning sensation in the chest, bitterness in the mouth, and difficulty swallowing. These symptoms are especially worse after eating and when bending forward or lying down.

A diaphragmatic hernia can cause chest pain. This pain is often confused with reflux and can sometimes resemble the symptoms of a heart attack. Chest pain occurs when stomach acid irritates the esophagus or when stomach organs press on the chest cavity.

The diaphragm plays an important role in breathing. When a hernia causes organs to shift in the chest cavity, it can be difficult for the lungs to expand. This can lead to shortness of breath.

Compression of the esophagus may occur due to a diaphragmatic hernia. This causes difficulty swallowing. The patient may feel that food is stuck in the throat, which can make it difficult to eat.

If the stomach, intestines or other organs are compressed, abdominal pain and bloating may occur. Compression of the intestines can cause intestinal obstruction, which can lead to severe pain.

Symptoms vary depending on the type and severity of diaphragmatic hernia. Some patients do not experience symptoms, while others may have complaints that affect their quality of life. Early diagnosis is important as complications may increase in untreated cases.

Diaphragmatic Hernia Treatment Methods

A diaphragmatic hernia is a condition in which abdominal organs slide into the chest cavity due to a weakness or opening in the diaphragm. Treatment methods vary depending on the type of hernia, its size, the severity of symptoms, and the patient's health status.

For small hiatal hernias or patients with mild symptoms, lifestyle changes are the first step in treatment. The following measures can be taken to reduce heartburn and reflux symptoms:

Avoiding oily and acidic foods and eating small portions frequently will relieve the symptoms.

Avoiding lying down immediately after meals and sleeping with your head elevated reduces reflux.

Excess weight can worsen hernia symptoms by increasing intra-abdominal pressure. Losing weight may help reduce this pressure.

Medications can be used to control stomach acid and reflux caused by a diaphragmatic hernia. These medications include antacids, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 receptor blockers. These medications relieve symptoms by reducing stomach acid, but they do not fix the hernia.

Surgical treatment is required for larger or complicated diseases. It is performed in emergency cases, when symptoms persist despite drug treatment, and in large hernias that create pressure on the lungs and heart.

Surgery is performed laparoscopically, which is a less invasive technique and shortens recovery time. During the operation, the opening in the diaphragm is repaired and the organs are put back in place.

As a result, diaphragmatic hernia treatment methods vary depending on the severity of symptoms and the type of hernia. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are of great importance to prevent complications.