Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Can Hiatal Hernia Cause Swallowing Problem In An Elderly Patient?
I have acid reflux with my hiatal hernia. Sometimes when I am eating I will lose the ability to swallow for a minute or so . It is extremely uncomfortable, but it does pass. I also have excessive gas and have now developed a stomach discomfort that is worst when I am laying down . The gas does not seem to be related to a particular food or drink, as I went hiking 10 years ago and drank only water and ate only 3 dry granola bars a day for four days and the urge to belch never left me (and yes, it has been over a decade, but the basic symptoms remain the same). I am sixty years old. Does the swallowing problem sound like a separate problem, or is it just another symptom of my hernia?
Thu, 6 Jun 2019
Hi,
Swallowing difficulties are a nonspecific sign and may indicate several conditions. It is seen in smokers commonly. Also, it can be a sign of esophageal spasms, tumors or GERD. However, the most common cause is a hiatal hernia and this means that the stomach is protruding through diaphragm muscle. It may cause breathing difficulties, nausea, swallowing difficulties and irritation of the stomach. It will also be aggravated by certain food or medications, stress and smoking.
You need to avoid fried food, carbonated drinks, coffee, alcohol and spicy food. You should eat more milk products, vegetables and boiled food. Also, certain antiacid medications may be required and as of the last option, it is possible to perform surgical repair of hernia especially if there are progressive respiratory discomfort and dyspepsia. To diagnose it you should do gastroscopy and if this is negative as in your case then you should do contrast x-rays of the stomach.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Ivan R. Rommstein, General Surgeon
Swallowing difficulties are a nonspecific sign and may indicate several conditions. It is seen in smokers commonly. Also, it can be a sign of esophageal spasms, tumors or GERD. However, the most common cause is a hiatal hernia and this means that the stomach is protruding through diaphragm muscle. It may cause breathing difficulties, nausea, swallowing difficulties and irritation of the stomach. It will also be aggravated by certain food or medications, stress and smoking.
You need to avoid fried food, carbonated drinks, coffee, alcohol and spicy food. You should eat more milk products, vegetables and boiled food. Also, certain antiacid medications may be required and as of the last option, it is possible to perform surgical repair of hernia especially if there are progressive respiratory discomfort and dyspepsia. To diagnose it you should do gastroscopy and if this is negative as in your case then you should do contrast x-rays of the stomach.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Ivan R. Rommstein, General Surgeon
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....