Hiatal Hernia
Alternate Names : Hernia - Hiatal
Definition A condition in which a portion of the stomach protrudes upward into the chest through an opening in the diaphragm (the sheet of muscle used in breathing that separates the chest from the abdomen).
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
The cause is unknown, but hiatal hernias may be the result of a weakening of the supporting tissue. Increasing age, obesity, and smoking seem to be risk factors in adults.
Children with this condition usually have it present at birth (congenital). It is usually associated with gastroesophageal reflux in infants.
Hiatal hernias are very common, especially in people over 50 years old. This condition can cause regurgitation of gastric acid from the stomach into the esophagus.
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