Hiatus Hernia

Hiatus hernia is the name given to the condition which arises when part of the stomach passes through the hole - the hiatus - in the diaphragm which is designed solely for the oesophagus, either because the hole is too large, or because the pressure in the abdomen is high. This allows reflux of stomach contents into the oesophagus, because the function of the lower oesophageal sphincter is disturbed. Hiatus hernia is very common in infants (the hole is large and the muscles lax), and is a complication of pregnancy, when the enlarged uterus pushes the stomach up against the diaphragm (the pressure is high). Besides using antacids and eating only in small quantities, preparations are available to reduce the fluidity of the stomach contents and therefore the likelihood of regurgitation.
 
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