Diaphragmatic hernia in the elderly

The diaphragm is a thin layer of muscle that separates the chest and abdomen. When the abdominal organs appear in the thorax, it is called a diaphragmatic hernia.

A diaphragmatic hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach bulges out through the large muscle that separates the abdomen and chest (diaphragm). Your diaphragm has a small opening for the food tube (esophagus) to pass through before connecting to your stomach. In a diaphragmatic hernia, the stomach pushes up through that hole and into your chest.
Types of diaphragmatic hernia:
Type A : Sliding hernia, this is the most common type seen in both older and younger patients. In a sliding hernia, the cardiac defect is pushed up over the diaphragm, causing a symmetrical hernia of the upper part of the stomach. Type B: Rolling hernia, often a complication of lower esophageal sphincter consolidation surgery in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Type C: Mixed: combination of sliding and rolling hernia. Both the cardia and fundus are pushed up above the diaphragm, with the fundus moving higher than the heart defect. Type D: Complex hernia, usually rare. This is a hernia in the thorax of other organs such as the colon, small intestine, and omentum, and the hernia sac above the diaphragm.

Diaphragmatic hernia can be caused by the following reasons:
Damage to the diaphragm due to trauma Congenital diaphragmatic hernia Sudden increase in intra-abdominal pressure due to coughing, sneezing, vomiting, straining during constipation, while heavy lifting...

All ages are susceptible to diaphragmatic hernia. However, people over the age of 50 and overweight women are at higher risk.
Patients with diaphragmatic hernia are often asymptomatic or have various symptoms such as heartburn, belching, difficulty swallowing, chest pain, severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, inability to defecate. , difficulty breathing ... the disease is often misdiagnosed with a number of diseases such as stomach pain, digestive disorders or angina ...

A diaphragmatic hernia is often discovered during an examination or procedure to determine the cause of heartburn or pain in the chest or upper abdomen. These tests include:
Gastrointestinal X-ray on Colonoscopy. The doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube equipped with a light and camera (endoscope) down your throat, to examine the inside of your esophagus and stomach.

Most people with a diaphragmatic hernia do not experience any signs or symptoms and will not need treatment. If you have symptoms, such as recurrent heartburn and acid reflux, you may need medication or surgery.
If you have heartburn and acid reflux, your doctor may prescribe:
Antacids to neutralize stomach acid Medicines to reduce acid production. These drugs are called H2 receptor blockers Proton pump inhibitors Sometimes a diaphragmatic hernia requires surgery. Surgery is often used for people who take medication but still don't relieve heartburn and acid reflux, or have complications such as severe inflammation or narrowing of the esophagus.