Are Hiatal Hernias Hereditary? A look at the Causes
One of four conditions we treat at the Tampa Bay Reflux Center, hiatal hernias are a less common source of heartburn in many of our patients. This condition can be corrected with surgery, but it still can cause moderate discomfort. In this post, we’ll take a look at the answers to some common questions like what is the main cause of hiatal hernias, who is at risk for hiatal hernias, and are hiatal hernias common?
What Is a Hiatal Hernia?
Like other hernias, a hiatal hernia occurs when internal organs move into another part of the body that they aren’t supposed to be in. This is usually due to normally tight connective tissue relaxing and allowing organs to move more freely within the body cavity.
A hiatal hernia, specifically, is caused by upward pressure from the stomach into the diaphragm above it. For patients with hiatal hernias, part of the stomach itself has pushed through an opening in the diaphragm, usually right up against the lower esophagus. This can cause the following symptoms and sensations:
Heartburn / acid reflux
Trouble swallowing
Chest pain or abdominal pain
Shortness of breath
You might be wondering, are hiatal hernias common? According to one academic paper, “Approximately 55%-60% of individuals over the age of 50 have a hiatal hernia. However, only about 9% have symptoms, and it depends on the type and competency of the lower esophageal sphincter.” Due to the nature of this condition, it’s also incredibly likely that many more individuals struggle with hiatal hernias without being diagnosed.
What Is the Main Cause of Hiatal Hernias?
As mentioned above, the main cause of hiatus hernias is loose connective tissue that is supposed to hold the internal organs and barriers in place. Internal pressure also plays a role in the development of a hiatal hernia, but the condition wouldn’t occur if there wasn’t a space for the organ to begin to slip through. For more information about the severity of hiatal hernias, check out: Are Hiatal Hernias Dangerous?
Who Is at Risk for Hiatal Hernias?
There is a higher incidence, understandably, for hiatal hernias in women who have been pregnant and those who have given birth. Overweight and obese individuals also seem to be predisposed to developing hiatal hernias. However, there is also an apparent genetic component that may be at play, too. Individuals born with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (a genetic condition that causes the connective tissue in the body to be far too stretchy) are at a greater risk for developing hernias in general.
Other risk factors include being over the age of 50, previous abdominal surgery, abdominal trauma, and other congenital issues such as separation of the diaphragm. Hiatal hernias aren’t technically hereditary, but they can certainly develop as a result of certain inherited traits.
How Are Hiatal Hernias Treated?
Treating a hiatal hernia is quite straightforward, once it is diagnosed: surgery is required. If you think you may be suffering from a hiatal hernia, get in touch with our team of reflux specialists. The team at the Tampa Bay Reflux Center can help you get the diagnosis you need to treat and eliminate your reflux woes.