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How to manage hiatus hernia?

Dr N Ananthakrishnan
Head of Department of Surgery,
JIPMER, Pondicherry

Q: My wife is suffering from hiatus hernia of the food pipe. She is 34 years old and 5 feet 2 inchess tall, a pure vegetarian having a 2 year old son. We consulted the doctors who said that this cannot be permanently cured and she has to take precautions to avoid the pain. They have given Ocid capsule to take during pain. They have also suggested to use a pillow at night so that the acid which generates cannot reach or touch the hernia. This pain is two and a half years old. Could you please suggest a permanent relief for this?

A:Hiatus hernia, which is the diagnosis in your wife, is initially treated with drugs such as the one prescribed for your wife and also use of high pillows and other measures. If the patient is regular about these procedures many would get relief. If the condition does not respond to this treatment there are other options like treatment with an endoscope or using a laparoscope. You will have to consult a surgeon or a gastroenterologist for proper advice.