Symptoms

A diaphragmatic hernia often goes unnoticed for a long time and does not lead to any complaints. Mostly it is a very small fracture that does not affect other organs and therefore goes unnoticed. The first symptoms are usually heartburn and acidic burping.

This occurs because the opening of the diaphragm does not allow the stomach entrance to be closed properly. This results in gastric juice running back into the esophagus.If the hernial orifice widens over time, parts of the stomach and esophagus may slip through the diaphragmatic orifice and be displaced into the upper abdominal cavity. If this is the case, a redistribution of the inner abdominal organs occurs.

Due to the changed pressure conditions, the organs located above the stomach and diaphragm may be affected. This can lead to pain in the diaphragm. The lungs can be restricted in their expansion, which can cause patients to suffer from shortness of breath.

These serious complaints suggest surgical treatment. In addition, the changed pressure conditions in the upper abdomen can also lead to irritation of nerves supplying the heart, which can cause the heart to stumble or even race. In general, these complaints are extremely disturbing but not life-threatening.

Nevertheless, in such a case an urgent surgical intervention should be considered. Numerous nerves run through the abdominal cavity, which transmit stimuli to the brain. In the case of a diaphragmatic hernia, which is painless in the true sense of the word, the stomach and esophagus can pass through.

This can lead to irritation of nerves that are present in this area of the abdominal cavity. This nerve irritation can be transmitted to parts of the body that are far away from the actual site of origin. Therefore, in the case of a large diaphragmatic hernia with associated organ displacement, pain or an unpleasant sensation in the area of the back can also be felt. Mistakenly, the patient thinks that the cause is the back itself and in fact it is very difficult to conclude from back pain to a diaphragmatic hernia. It often takes many weeks, months and examinations before the diaphragm is shortlisted as the cause.