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Can Enlarged Hiatal Hernia Cause Pain In Abdomen,shoulder And Nausea?
Hi, I have been experiencing intermittent severe upper abdominal pain for approx 19 mos, always associated with eating. During the attacks, I have experienced at times R shoulder pain, nausea, no vomiting & always abdominal distention during & immediately after the attack. I have been to a GI specialist & have had normal abdominal CT, abominal u/s x2, upper & lower endoscopy & normal pancreatic & liver enzymes. I have a very large hiatal hernia, GERD, H/O breast cancer, age 63yr. I have ben prescribed donnatol, which helps some. The pain attacks last anywhere from a few minutes to as long as 2 hrs. The frequency has recently increased from 1 -2 attacks per month to 2 -3 per week. Fatty meals can exacerbate the attacks, but have had attacks eating soup & salad.
Tue, 13 Oct 2015
Hello,
Yes, the cause of your pain is likely associated with the hiatal hernia.
The stomach holds some strong acid and only the stomach can handle the concentration. The hiatal hernia also means you get reflux of acid into your esophagus (food pipe) and it is that reflux that causes the pain. Some types of foods trigger increased acid production and generally, when you are full, you are more likely to experience the pain due to reflux.
In my practice, I would give you antacids for the short term. But I would also refer you to a surgeon to see if we can get a permanent solution to the reflux. The treatment option depends on the severity of pain and the frequency of symptoms. If not severe, we would be able to use antacids when needed and avoid foods that worsen the symptoms.
All the best!
Dr. E. Kwasa
Yes, the cause of your pain is likely associated with the hiatal hernia.
The stomach holds some strong acid and only the stomach can handle the concentration. The hiatal hernia also means you get reflux of acid into your esophagus (food pipe) and it is that reflux that causes the pain. Some types of foods trigger increased acid production and generally, when you are full, you are more likely to experience the pain due to reflux.
In my practice, I would give you antacids for the short term. But I would also refer you to a surgeon to see if we can get a permanent solution to the reflux. The treatment option depends on the severity of pain and the frequency of symptoms. If not severe, we would be able to use antacids when needed and avoid foods that worsen the symptoms.
All the best!
Dr. E. Kwasa
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