December 1, 2008

Font Size
A
A
A

Hiatal Hernia (cont.)

Hiatal Hernia Treatment

Self-Care at Home

Lifestyle changes are often necessary to avoid symptoms of hiatal hernia.

  • Modify your activities:

    • Minimize heavy lifting, straining, bending over.

    • Improve seated posture; don't slouch.

    • Exercise more.

    • Lose weight.

    • Sleep on an incline, with head of bed raised 4-6 inches on blocks.

    • Choose standing activities after a meal rather than sitting or reclining.
  • Modify your diet. Avoid the following:

    • Caffeine

    • Chocolate

    • Fried or fatty foods

    • Peppermint

    • Alcohol

    • Meals within 2-3 hours of bedtime

    • Large meals (eat smaller meals more frequently)

  • Try over-the-counter remedies. Check with your doctor or pharmacist first if you are taking other medications, are pregnant, or have other medical conditions, before starting therapy at home.

    • Antacids such as Mylanta, Maalox, Gaviscon, or Tums for acute symptoms

    • Antacids such as Zantac, Tagamet, Pepcid, or Axid to prevent symptoms



Next: Medical Treatment »

Printer-Friendly Format  |  Email to a Friend

Women's Health

Find out what women really need.

eMedicineHealth is a first aid and consumer health information site written by physicians for patients and consumers.
WebMD Symptom Checker - Start Here

Sports Hernias Sports Hernias
More and more people are suffering from sports hernias. Could you have one?See more WebMD Videos »

Adult Skin Problems Slideshow

Search Medical Dictionary