Ask The Doctor

Dear Ask The Doctor: Dear Madam/Sir, i am suffering from chest burn and through burn. gastric problem from last 2 years, indigestion,at morning hours i will get stomach pain & i feel too hungry when i eat food the pain goes .i had done endoscopy , the report is hiatus hernia.pls suggest me.

Dear Santhosh:

I realize your concern about this condition. Hiatal hernia occurs when part of your stomach pushes upward through your diaphragm. Your diaphragm normally has a small opening (hiatus) that allows your food tube (esophagus) to pass through on its way to connect to your stomach. The stomach can push up through this opening and cause a hiatal hernia.

Since you already have the diagnosis made, your doctor might have already told you that his condition causes symptoms such as Heartburn, Belching, Chest pain, Nausea and vomits. In my opinion since you experience signs and symptoms, such as recurrent heartburn and acid reflux, you may require treatment, which can include medications or surgery.

You can start taking over the counter antacids like Maalox, Mylanta but these medications are not cure for your conditions, I would like you to be evaluated by a Gastroenterologist to rule out the possibility of needing a surgical treatment soon.

If those medications are to week to diminish your symptoms, your doctor could also prescribe more complex medications to reduce or block the production of acid. Some of them are sold over the counter like Prilosec and Prevacid. I wish you a prompt recovery.