Understanding Pain Associated with Hiatal Hernias
Hello, I'm a 23-year-old female. Earlier this year, in January, I experienced a serious illness involving COVID-19 and pneumonia. During that time, I sought emergency care due to intense discomfort in my upper stomach, along with some blood in my stool. After examination, the physician diagnosed me with an ulcer and advised that I see a gastroenterologist, prescribing pantoprazole for treatment. In early March, I underwent a gastroscopy, which revealed the presence of a hiatal hernia. I am currently awaiting the pathology results, with a follow-up appointment set for the end of April. While the initial excruciating pain subsided after my course of antibiotics and medications, I continue to experience persistent stomach discomfort. The sensation is sharp and has become almost constant. Is it common for a hiatal hernia to result in this type of pain, or could it signify another issue? What treatment options are available? I really hope to find a way to alleviate this constant pain. Just for context, I am located in Canada.
Answers (1)
3/31/2025, 2:50:37 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re going through a challenging time with your health, and I appreciate you sharing your concerns. To summarize, hiatal hernias can indeed contribute to ongoing discomfort, and there are various treatment options to consider for symptom relief.
Explanation:
A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm into the chest cavity, which can lead to symptoms like pain, reflux, and discomfort. Given that you've already experienced significant health issues with COVID-19 and pneumonia, it’s understandable to be vigilant about any new or recurring abdominal symptoms. While your initial pain resolved with treatment, persistent discomfort can be related to your hiatal hernia or could indicate other gastrointestinal issues.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms (onset, duration, intensity, and triggers). This will help your gastroenterologist better understand your condition.
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Dietary Modifications:
- Avoid foods that can increase stomach acid or discomfort, such as spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and chocolate.
- Eat smaller meals more frequently instead of large ones to reduce pressure on your stomach.
- Stay upright for at least 2-3 hours after eating to minimize reflux and discomfort.
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Medication Compliance: Continue taking your prescribed medications, like pantoprazole, as directed. If you feel that your symptoms are not improving, making a note of this to discuss at your follow-up appointment could be helpful.
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Lifestyle Changes: If you smoke, consider quitting, as smoking can exacerbate gastrointestinal issues. Also, if you're overweight, losing even a small amount of weight can help relieve pressure on your abdomen.
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Awaiting Pathology Results: It’s important to discuss the pathology results with your gastroenterologist to fully understand any additional concerns that may arise from the gastroscopy. This will inform the next steps in your treatment plan.
Conclusion:
Persistent stomach discomfort with a hiatal hernia is not uncommon, but each case varies. It’s essential to discuss your ongoing pain with your gastroenterologist upon receiving pathology results, as they can provide a tailored approach to your treatment. In the meantime, focus on the dietary and lifestyle adjustments that can help relieve symptoms. Please take care, and I wish you a successful follow-up appointment.
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