There’s a lump in my throat!…Do you have a Hiatus Hernia???

Do you suffer with acid reflux? Do you feel like there’s something stuck in your throat? Do you sometimes feel the need to vomit or regurgitate? Do you feel like you need to continually swallow?

Is your diaphragm to blame????

Normally, the oesophagus or food pipe passes down through the chest, crosses the diaphragm, and enters the abdomen through a hole in the diaphragm (large domed muscle that controls breathing) called the oesophageal hiatus. Just below the diaphragm, the oesophagus joins the stomach. In individuals with hiatus hernia, the opening of the oesophageal hiatus (hiatal opening) is larger than normal, and a portion of the upper stomach slips up or passes (herniates) through the hiatus and into the chest.

This may be due to a weakened diaphragm.

Looking at the image, you will see that the diaphragm creates a valve like sphincter control mechanism which separates the oesophagus and stomach. If the diaphragm is weak then this valve may allow stomach juices (hydrochloric acid) to rise up and inflame the very sensitive lining of the oesophagus. This gives the feeling of something stuck in the throat or chest.

Remember, the stomach and oesophagus is not located low down in you ‘belly’, it’s actually quite high up under the ribs.

Prolonged irritation and inflammation of the oesophageal lining will cause scarring, thickening and bulging, which will only worsen the condition.

Causes

• Over eating filling the stomach to its full capacity.

• Acidic foods causing excess secretion of stomach acids.

• Obesity will place pressure on the stomach lessening the space in which to expand during meal times, forcing the upper part of the stomach upwards.

• Excessive vomiting and straining during bowel movements.

• Late night eating…(or laying down after food)

If you feel some of the above causes relate to you, addressing them may help your hiatus hernia.

My favourite tip for people that I treat as a final year training osteopath, is the 4wave breathing technique that will dramatically strengthen your diaphragm. (Click here for the dedicated blog article on the 4 Wave breathing technique). This in conjunction with the other lifestyle choices such as smaller meals, chewing more, reducing fat percentage, etc will reap amazing benefits not just for hiatus hernia’s but overall health and vitality! Years of shallow breathing, sedentary lifestyle and overindulging can lead to a weakened diaphragm. The diaphragm is a muscle not too many people know how to strengthen, the 4 wave breathing technique is a great way to start.

Obviously if you are concerned, and think that you may have this condition, please seek medical advice.

All the best…

Aark Author: Lloyd Tilney