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Hiatal Hernias - Impacting the Stomach and the Diaphragm

Murali Macherla

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Serving Patients in the Phoenix, Arizona area, Murali Macherla, MD, offers surgical and nonsurgical care for a variety of conditions. Experienced in treating complex Thoracic tumors, Murali Macherla, MD, has knowledge of Hiatal Hernias, which involve the stomach’s upper part pushing up and impacting the diaphragm, a large sheet of muscle, seperating the chest cavity from the Abdominal contents.

Common among adults past the age of 50, the Sliding Hiatal Hernia can be related to injuries that weaken the stomach, as well as pressure from repeated vomiting, coughing, lifting heavy objects, and straining in the bathroom. In addition, some people are genetically predisposed to the condition, as they have a large hiatus, which is the opening in the Diaphragm between the Stomach and Esophagus.

Obstructed Hiatal Hernias involve the stomach becoming stuck in the diaphragm and are more serious, though usually not life threatening. Symptoms include chest pain, belching, and heartburn that becomes worse when lying down. One small but serious risk is that the stomach can get blocked, which typically results in pain ,Nausea ,vomiting and is a medical emergency.