Hiatal hernia can cause pain and reflux. Follow the main information on the subject and see how the treatment is done.

What is a hiatal hernia?

There is a small hole (diaphragmatic hiatus) located in the diaphragm that allows the esophagus to pass from the chest to the abdomen. Sometimes, this hiatus is wider than usual, allowing a small portion of the stomach to rise and enter the chest a little.

This condition is what is understood as a hiatal hernia, that is, when a small portion of the stomach rises through the diaphragm and enters the chest.

How does a hiatal hernia develop?

Although hiatal hernias are more common after middle age, they usually do not cause major problems and doctors do not reach the source of their cause.

What is known is that hiatal hernia occurs more in patients who are smokers, overweight, and a bit older.

What are the symptoms?

Hiatal hernia is not considered a disease, but a condition that is formed by the alteration of the individual’s anatomy.

In some cases, there are symptoms resulting from stomach acid that backs up into the esophagus. This moment is also called reflux and is treated as a problem called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

This condition can cause some symptoms such as:

• Heartburn: a sensation of pain, burning, or heat in the chest near the bone at the front of the chest (lower sternum), especially when the person lies down soon after eating or consumes a lot of food during the meal;

• Belching: spontaneous burps;

• Sour or bitter taste in the mouth: a symptom caused by the return of food or stomach acid.

How is the diagnosis made?

Many cases of hiatal hernia do not cause prominent symptoms and therefore are diagnosed during exams such as endoscopy to identify other problems. If there are symptoms, the doctor may direct exams to confirm the case and rule out other possible causes.

Possible treatments for hiatal hernia

Treatments for hiatal hernia are not usually applied to people who do not show symptoms. On the other hand, patients who complain of heartburn, pain, or burning are advised to make some changes in their diet, lose weight (if necessary), and not lie down with a full stomach.

In some cases, antacids are prescribed by the doctor. Patients may be referred for surgery if they have more severe conditions.

How can I take care of myself?

To take care of yourself and prevent hiatal hernia, you can follow some steps:

• Take the treatment recommended by the doctor seriously;

• Lose weight, if necessary;

• Break up large meals into smaller ones;

• Avoid wearing tight clothes or that compress the abdomen area;

• Avoid excessive consumption of: alcohol, chocolate, fatty foods, mint-flavored foods, citrus fruits, caffeine, tomato sauce, as well as tobacco;

• Have your last meal 2 to 3 hours before going to bed;

• Raise the head of the bed 6 to 8 inches (using a wooden block frame) if you feel the discomfort of reflux during sleep – an easier alternative is to place a foam wedge (anti-reflux pillow) under the head of the mattress.

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Hiatal hernia is a condition that can affect many people and, at the first sign of recurrent symptoms, it is essential to seek medical help. Furthermore, through EndoBlog, patients find exclusive and free content about hiatal hernia and other extremely relevant topics for well-being and quality of life. Browse EndoBlog to check out all the content, like this one about: elastic band ligation risks

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The difficulty in swallowing, or dysphagia, is a condition that can affect people of all ages. Understand the issue better and see what the treatment is like.

What is difficulty in swallowing

The difficulty in swallowing, whether liquid or solid food, can occur either in the mouth itself or in the tube that connects the esophagus to the stomach. The medical term for the condition is dysphagia.

Main symptoms of dysphagia

The main symptoms of dysphagia are:

• the need to alternate solid and liquid foods (to help the food go down);
• sensation of having something stuck in the throat or esophagus;
• the need to clear the throat repeatedly;
• episodes of feeling food or drink coming out through the nose while swallowing;
• pain in the throat or chest when swallowing;
• change in voice pitch or hoarseness;
• sensation of choking or the need to cough after swallowing.

What are the main causes and treatments

The process that takes food and liquids to the stomach is complex. The tongue moves in a way to push the food to the back of the mouth so that it reaches the throat. In this case, what is being ingested must pass through the feeding tube, however, the trachea is located close to the destination.

Therefore, there is a flap in the throat responsible for protecting the entrance of the trachea from food, ensuring that the food and drink go to the feeding tube.

In this sense, the main causes of difficulty in swallowing are:

• stroke (which affected part of the brain);
• certain medications;
• cancer of the digestive tube (which involves the mouth, throat, esophagus, and stomach);
• diseases that weaken the muscles needed for swallowing;
• irritation of the esophagus caused by stomach acid;
• infection, such as Chagas disease, which leads to megaesophagus;
• diseases that lead to a change in the innervation of the esophagus, such as achalasia.

Important: people with swallowing problems may lose weight due to low intake of food and nutrients.

Esofágica dysphagia

When dysphagia occurs after swallowing, the causes can be varied. The main ones are: peptic stenosis, tumors of the esophagus, diverticula, foreign body impaction, eosinophilic esophagitis, achalasia, esophageal spasm, nutcracker esophagus, progressive systemic sclerosis, Chagas disease, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Treatment for dysphagia

The treatment for difficulty in swallowing intrinsically depends on the cause. The problem can often be treated with medications, if it is necessary to reduce acid levels (in those suffering from gastroesophageal reflux), with surgical procedures, and even endoscopic ones.

In addition to drug treatment, a speech therapist can assist with complementary techniques, such as guiding the consumption of foods that help strengthen the muscles in the region.

In the case of cancer causing dysphagia, surgery may be necessary to repair the problem. In the last case, the doctor may opt to perform a gastrostomy.

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Difficulty in swallowing is a condition that can develop at any stage of life, so it is very important to understand the main information on the subject. Through EndoBlog, it is possible to access complete content about dysphagia, treatments, and how exams, such as endoscopy, can help in the diagnosis.

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Intestinal constipation, also called constipation, refers to the difficulty or absence of bowel movements. Understand better how the problem occurs and see what to do to avoid it.

What is intestinal constipation?

Intestinal constipation is considered a bowel disorder in which the affected person has great difficulty evacuating, going weeks without going to the bathroom.

Normal bowel movements vary from person to person. Some people have bowel movements 3 times a day, and that is normal. Other people have bowel movements three times a week, and that’s also fine.

The problem occurs when there is a reduction in frequency from what was considered normal, as well as when associated symptoms arise, such as hardened stools, pain, and the need for excessive effort to evacuate.

Main symptoms of constipation

The main symptom is the absence of regular bowel movements. Generally, a healthy individual can evacuate at least once a day. People who go up to two days with constipation should pay attention if this occurs recurrently.

Other symptoms of constipation are:

• hardened or “dried out” stools;
• difficulty evacuating (need for a lot of effort);
• swelling and abdominal pain;
• excess gas;
• sensation of incomplete evacuation;
• irritability;
• digestive disorders.

What are the treatment alternatives?

Constipation is not exactly a disease, but a symptom of poor bowel function. In this sense, treatments seek to improve the health of the digestive system, as a way to ensure a more peaceful evacuation.

Diet is an important cause of intestinal constipation. Therefore, it is recommended to consume foods rich in fiber, such as:

• whole grains;
• fruits;
• vegetables;
• vegetables;
• foods with laxative properties (plums, papaya, green juices, fiber supplements).

In more delicate cases, it may be necessary to seek the help of a health professional for the prescription of suppositories or intestinal washes to relieve the situation.

Important: the use of laxatives should be strictly monitored by a doctor, as prolonged use can have adverse effects.

Is it possible to prevent intestinal constipation?

Some habits help to prevent intestinal constipation. They are:

• balanced, healthy diet, prioritizing the consumption of vegetables, legumes, whole grains, fruits, nuts, seeds, etc;
• seeking ways to reduce stress, whether by doing an outdoor activity, reading a book, or meditating. Stress directly influences the health of the entire digestive system and, therefore, needs to be combated;
• consuming at least 2 liters of water per day to help the body in the formation of the fecal bolus;
• exercising frequently, helping to improve gastrointestinal motility. With the intestine working better, the risk of constipation is much lower;
• never taking laxatives continuously and without medical supervision. The indiscriminate use of these substances can cause intestinal lesions and greatly harm the health of the body.

Chronic constipation: what is it?

In general, one in five people says they have suffered from chronic constipation, that is, long-term constipation. The risk factors that can make constipation evolve into something chronic are:

• lack of physical activities;
• fiber-poor diet;
• pregnancy and childbirth;
• low water consumption;
• use of certain medications (anticonvulsants, antidepressants, diuretics, analgesics, aluminum antacids, antispasmodics, and antihistamines);
• neurological diseases and diabetes.

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Intestinal constipation brings a lot of discomfort and many questions. With this in mind, EndoBlog was developed by the professionals at Endoscopia Terapêutica to deliver quality content to all those seeking more information about health and quality of life.

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Colectomy as a treatment for colon cancer is considered a major surgery as it involves the removal of part of the large intestine. Follow the main information about the procedure.

The colectomy procedure can be total or partial, where in the total, the entire colon is removed, while in the partial, only a portion of the intestine is taken out.

Colectomy: surgery for colon cancer

Colon cancer is considered common, being the second most prevalent among women and the third among men in Brazil. Colectomy, despite being invasive, is one of the most efficient and indicated treatments for this disease.

The main goal of colectomy is to remove the part of the colon affected by the tumor. However, depending on the severity of the case, other treatments, such as chemotherapy, may be administered concurrently, aiming to reduce the likelihood of cancer recurrence.

There are some situations where colectomy may not be sufficient and requires other treatments in conjunction. These include: inability to remove lymph nodes, metastasis, tumor extension greater than anticipated before surgery, colon obstruction, and perforation in the intestinal wall.

How colectomy is performed

The surgeon will perform an open or laparoscopic-assisted surgery.

• Open colectomy: performed through a single incision made in the abdomen.
• Laparoscopic-assisted colectomy (video laparoscopy): in this case, the surgeon makes 3 or 4 incisions and places a camera to identify the diseased part and remove the affected portion of the colon.

For this, an instrument guided by a laparoscope is used, and when the surgeon manages to free the compromised part of the colon, detaching it from the digestive system, one of the small cuts is enlarged to enable removal.

This is a surgery that requires more preparation on the part of the patient, who must ingest laxatives on the eve of the procedure. On the other hand, as the incisions are smaller, the person tends to recover faster and feel less pain postoperatively.

Side effects of colectomy

There are some possible side effects of colectomy, but they can vary according to the case, depending on factors such as the general health of the patient and the extent of the incision.

Some post-surgical complications may involve: infections, bleeding, and blood clots (in the legs). After the procedure, adhesions in tissues or organs can occur, which requires additional surgery if it is necessary to unblock the intestine.

What are the indications for colectomy?

The colectomy surgery aims to remove parts of the large intestine affected by diseases, and is indicated in situations involving:

• Tumors;
• Complications of Crohn’s Disease (which affects the gastrointestinal tract);
• Complications of ulcerative colitis (inflammation that affects the intestine);
• Complications of acute diverticulitis (inflammation of the diverticulum, located in the intestine);
• Intestinal obstruction;
• Large intestine hemorrhage when other treatments fail.

Colectomy: learn about the treatment and talk to your doctor

Colectomy is an invasive procedure that requires preparation on the part of the patient, as well as a lot of dialogue with the doctor. Through the EndoBlog, belonging to Endoscopia Terapêutica, it is possible to access the main information about colectomy, colon cancer, and what you need to know before undergoing the procedure.

Browse the portal and check out more information about colectomy and other treatments and exams performed in cases of colon cancer.

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Gastritis is a type of inflammation in the stomach lining that causes a lot of pain and burning, and can progress to more severe symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, and loss of appetite.

Have your questions about gastritis answered and learn how to access other content on health and well-being.

What is gastritis?

Simply put, gastritis is an inflammation located in the inner lining (mucosa) of the stomach. This inflammation indicates that there is an injury or irritation in the organ.

The condition can occur in crises (acutely) or chronically, which requires continuous treatment to control pain and discomfort.

Below, have the main questions about the disease answered.

Main questions about gastritis

What is the cause of gastritis?

Gastritis can have more than one cause. They are:

• excessive alcohol consumption;
• smoking;
• continuous use of anti-inflammatory drugs or acetylsalicylic acid (ASA);
• infection by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.

Symptoms and diagnosis

Regarding symptoms, gastritis tends to manifest through certain signs. They are:

• abdominal pains;
• indigestion;
• nausea;
• loss of appetite;
• burning and heartburn;
• vomiting.

The diagnosis can be made based on:

• endoscopy, where a specialist inserts an endoscope to identify the focus of inflammation and analyze the stomach. In addition, they also collect small tissue samples and send them to a laboratory to confirm the presence (or absence) of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.

Risk factors

The main risk factors for the development of gastritis are:

• abuse of anti-inflammatory drugs;
• excessive alcohol consumption;
• significant consumption of fatty and acidic foods;
• Crohn’s disease;
• stress;
• excessive intake of caffeine-containing foods;
• genetic predisposition;
• smoking.

Prevention and diet

Diet is a fundamental factor in the prevention and treatment of gastritis. It is advisable to reduce the consumption of products that may increase stomach acidity, such as alcohol, coffee, and pepper.

In addition, fatty foods require more acid production by the stomach during digestion, so they are also on the list of items to be avoided, as well as pure milk, which encourages the production of gastric juice.

Possible treatments

The treatments for gastritis can vary according to each case. There are cases, for example, where gastritis improves after a short time, others are much more serious.

The main treatments are:

• antibiotics, if gastritis is caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori;
• dietary re-education, to avoid the production of acid and gastric juice;
• taking medications, such as antacids, to reduce stomach acidity.

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Gastritis varies greatly from case to case. A crisis can last only a few hours, others up to weeks for the symptoms to be controlled. It is essential to have the help and follow-up of a professional who guides the best treatment.

In addition, through EndoBlog, you can access all content about the stomach, gastritis, and endoscopy completely free of charge. Follow the blog to keep up with the main articles on the subject, like this one about: esophageal variceal ligation

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When inflamed (or infected), the appendix tends to cause severe pain (among other symptoms) and problems that can lead to acute appendicitis.

What is appendicitis?

Appendicitis is a condition resulting from the inflammation or infection of a part of the intestine also known as the appendix, located in the lower abdomen, on the right side of the body.

One of the main signs of inflammation in the appendix is the onset of severe pain in the area, which may or may not be accompanied by fever, vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, and other symptoms that we mention below.

What are the main causes?

The inflammation of the appendix occurs when there is an accumulation of feces (and bacteria) inside the organ. The specific causes remain unknown to this day, but it is known that appendicitis can occur at any time in life.

Common symptoms

The main symptoms of inflammation in the appendix are:

• Apathy;
• Chills;
• Constipation;
• Intense abdominal pain;
• Fever;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Loss of appetite;
• Stiffness and abdominal swelling.

Risk factors

There are no specific risk factors for the development of appendicitis. What is known is that cases are more frequent in people aged 10 to 30 years.

At the first signs and symptoms, it is essential to seek a doctor. In the case of children, parents should be even more attentive, as they often may have difficulty describing what they are feeling.

Appendectomy as treatment

If the appendix is infected, configuring appendicitis, surgical removal, or appendectomy, is necessary as soon as possible, to avoid more serious problems, such as perforation of the appendix and peritonitis (spread of the infection throughout the abdominal space).

For the procedure, the patient is fully anesthetized (general anesthesia) and a small cut is made in the lower right part of the abdomen. The appendix is then removed.

In the case of the presence of pus (or abscess) at the site of infection, a complete washing of the area is performed, and a small tube is attached to help eliminate fluids and secretions.

Is there prevention against appendicitis?

Appendicitis is a condition resulting from the functioning of the intestine, that is, there is no specific action that can prevent inflammation of the appendix.

On the other hand, it is recommended to consume foods rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and greens, as well as water, which help in the proper functioning of the intestine, reducing the intestinal transit of feces, which can reduce the chances of them accumulating in the appendix.

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EndoBlog gathers information about appendectomy and other important treatments for the health and well-being of patients of all ages.

EndoBlog was conceived by a team of health professionals aiming to clear all patient doubts, in addition to providing complete content about diseases, exams, and treatments, mainly related to the digestive system.

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Capsule endoscopy uses a small wireless camera to capture images of your gastrointestinal tract. The camera used for the procedure is located in a small capsule shaped like a pill.

When you swallow the capsule, the camera inside begins a journey through the gastrointestinal tract. During this time, the camera takes thousands of pictures. These images are transmitted to a recording device that you wear on your waist.

Although it can be used to view many parts of the gastrointestinal tract, capsule endoscopy is particularly useful for examining the small intestine. This is because the small intestine is difficult to access using more conventional endoscopy techniques.

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Also read: Upper Digestive Endoscopy | Intragastric Balloon | Dysphagia

Colonoscopy is a screening test, usually done under sedation. It is used to detect potential health issues in the colon, such as polyps and colorectal cancer.

What you eat and drink after the procedure is important. The preparations you made to get ready for the colonoscopy dehydrate you, so putting fluids and electrolytes back into the system is vital.

Your doctor may recommend that you eat lightly, or not at all, in the hours immediately following the procedure. For the rest of the day and the following day, you will be advised to drink plenty of fluids and eat light, easily digestible foods that will not irritate the colon.

These dietary precautions are usually required only for a day, but everyone is different. If your system can’t tolerate your usual diet right away, continue to eat soft foods and liquids for another day or two.

Your doctor may also recommend that you follow a light, low-residue diet immediately after the procedure. This consists of a limited amount of dairy, as well as low-fiber foods that are easy to digest and produce less stool.

Foods and drinks to consume the day after colonoscopy include:

• electrolyte beverages
• water
• fruit juice
• herbal tea
• saltine crackers
• soup
• scrambled eggs
• tender cooked vegetables
• yogurt
• gelatin
• pudding
• mashed or baked potato
• white bread or toast
• soft white fish
• grilled chicken

Also check out: esophageal varices band ligation

Read also: Upper Endoscopy | Intragastric Balloon | Dysphagia

Intestinal Stricture

Intestinal stricture is the partial or total narrowing of the large intestine (or rarely the small intestine) that prevents the progression of content through it.

Intestinal stricture can occur due to 2 main causes:

1- Intestinal tumors: some intestinal tumors can grow to the point of causing obstruction of the organ. In these cases, surgery is usually performed to remove the affected part of the intestine. In very advanced cases, a self-expanding stent can be passed through colonoscopy for decompression. This stent can also be placed to improve the physical condition and preparation of the patient before a definitive surgery is performed.

2- Benign stricture: some inflammations of the intestine can, upon healing, lead to retraction of the organ wall and closure of the same. Diseases such as Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s Disease, radiation-induced Colitis, and some intestinal infections can lead to this process. There are also postoperative strictures that occur when there is an exaggerated healing of the remaining intestinal wall after surgery.

In cases of benign intestinal strictures, endoscopic dilation of the region with a hydrostatic type balloon is performed.

Strictureplasty

On some occasions, the narrowing (stricture) is so severe that even the dilation instruments cannot pass. In these cases and in some other situations, the procedure of strictureplasty is performed. This consists of making small cuts in the region of the stricture with the help of a stylet that is passed through the working channel of the endoscope. These small cuts help to open the narrowing, facilitating the passage of dilators and accelerating the treatment process. In some cases, after making the small cuts, some substances, such as corticosteroids, are injected into the region to prevent the narrowing from closing again easily.

In cases where there is no improvement with dilations, surgical treatment of the problem is performed through the procedure called partial colectomy.

Complications

Colon dilation is generally performed effectively and without problems. Some complications that may occur are:

• A small amount of bleeding almost always occurs when dilation is performed. If this bleeding is excessive, it may require more aggressive treatment.
• Another complication is perforation (a hole in the wall of the organ). If this happens, an operation may be necessary to repair the problem.
• Rarely, a small perforation can lead to infection, which can remain localized or even spread to neighboring organs.

Polypectomy is an essential medical procedure when it comes to the removal of polyps, small protrusions or growths that form in some parts of the body, such as the intestine or the cervix. These polyps can be benign, but in some cases, they can become cancerous if not properly treated.

This procedure is usually performed through an endoscopy, an examination that allows viewing the inside of the affected organ through a flexible tube equipped with a camera. Through endoscopy, the doctor can identify the polyps and perform the polypectomy with precision.

The removal of polyps is important, especially when it comes to colon polyps, since some of them can turn into cancer over time. Polypectomy can be an effective preventive measure, helping to reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer.

After polypectomy, it is common for the patient to have a brief recovery period, during which special care may be recommended, such as a light diet and rest. However, in most cases, recovery is quick and the person can resume their normal activities in a short time.

Polypectomy is a safe and effective procedure, but it must be performed by an experienced and qualified healthcare professional. The doctor will evaluate each case individually and determine the best approach for the removal of polyps, thus ensuring the health and well-being of the patient.

It is important to emphasize that polypectomy is a medical procedure and should be performed by qualified professionals. Each case is unique, and the choice of polypectomy method and the need for long-term follow-up will be determined by the doctor, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient and the nature of the polyps.

The Figure was partly generated using Servier Medical Art, provided by Servier, licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 unported license.