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