Hiatal Hernia in Ocean Springs, MS
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Find a ProviderWhat is a hiatal hernia?
Hiatal hernias are common among patients in the United States. Your esophagus crosses through a small part of the diaphragm and then joins with the stomach. The little opening is called the hiatus. A hiatal hernia occurs if the top part of your stomach slips upward into the hiatus and reaches your diaphragm. If you suspect you are experiencing symptoms that indicate this condition or need to locate care for a hiatus hernia in Ocean Springs, MS, it is essential to talk to a gastroenterology provider. We encourage you to request an appointment at a local Digestive Health Center to see a nearby gastrointestinal provider.
What causes a hiatal hernia?
A hiatus hernia is frequently due to weak muscle groups and connective tissue within and adjacent to the hiatus. The most common causes and risk factors for a hiatal hernia are:
- Age-associated changes in your diaphragm muscles
- Pushing hard during a bowel movement
- Throwing up
- Lifting weights that are heavy
- Persistent coughing
- Injury to your hiatus from trauma or a surgical procedure
- Being obese
- Being born with an irregularly large hiatus
- Being over age 50
What are the signs of a hiatal hernia?
The signs of a hiatal hernia can vary according to the level of the condition. Nonetheless, some typical symptoms do occur when a hiatal hernia is present. These could involve:
- Abdominal aches
- Pain in the chest
- Shortness of breath
- Throwing up blood
- Heartburn and acid reflux
- Difficulty swallowing
- Blackened bowel movements
If you have any of the hiatal hernia symptoms indicated above, we invite you to contact our Ocean Springs, MS digestive health team to request a consultation.
How are hiatal hernias treated?
Most patients with minor hiatal hernias will not require any intervention; however, at Digestive Health Center, our specialists are equipped to provide support when necessary. If you are experiencing concerns, a few frequent interventions for a hiatal hernia include:
- Avoid lying flat once you finish eating
- Reduce GERD by eliminating certain foods
- Surgical procedures
- Maintain your ideal weight
- Stopping smoking
- Acid reflux medications
- Elevate the head of your bed
Enhance your digestive wellness
At Digestive Health Center, we are committed to helping you and your family find the solutions you need for elevated digestive wellness. When you’ve been struggling with persistent acid reflux or other unmanageable hiatal hernia symptoms, it could be time to find professional help. To connect with a GI provider specializing in hiatal hernia treatment in Ocean Springs, MS, we welcome you to contact a local practice now.
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He is the bomb! I LOVED him when I was sick. And he is very entertaining too.
Thank goodness for Dr. Pressley-Wallace who is patient and understanding. She listened to my concerns and answered my questions about my child’s symptoms. Upon a proper diagnosis and medication, my child is feeling much better! I highly recommend this doctor!
Can't imagine how a doctor could possibly have a more pleasant demeanor. Very cordial, kind caring presence.
Dr. Mcnair in my opinion is a wonderful, competent doctor. He shows the individual respect and allows them to participate in decisions concerning their own health and accepts deviations from the "norm" without pressure or ridicule to conform.
I am definitely appreciative & thankful for Dr. Angela Pressley Wallace. She is very easy to work with, honest, understanding, very knowledgeable about her career being a physician, cares for her patients, terrific leader, kind hearted, genuine. One of the best & top Gastroenterologist Physicians in the Gulfport, MS area. I highly recommend Dr. Angela Pressley Wallace❗️You will not be disappointed.
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