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hiatal hernia
noun
: protrusion of part of the stomach upward into the chest cavity through the passage in the diaphragm for the esophagus usually with movement of the opening of the esophagus into the stomach to a position above the diaphragm
called also hiatus hernia
Examples of hiatal hernia in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Surgery is typically recommended when other treatments don't work or if the underlying cause of symptoms requires repair, as in a hiatal hernia.
—Mark Gurarie, Health, 2 Nov. 2024
Some common causes include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), esophagitis, hiatal hernia, esophageal strictures, primary esophageal motility disorders (PEMDs), and esophageal perforations.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 29 July 2024
The reflux may be related to developing a hiatal hernia, which is when the stomach pushes up into the chest through a hole in the diaphragm.
—Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 5 July 2024
However, Mount Sinai advises individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or a hiatal hernia to avoid peppermint tea.
—Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2024
In contrast, a hiatal hernia may cause heartburn, indigestion, regurgitation, and upper abdominal or chest pains.
—Amanda Gardner, Health, 29 Oct. 2023
How To Relieve Heartburn That Won't Go Away A Quick Review
Heartburn may indicate health conditions like a hiatal hernia, GERD, or stomach ulcers.
—Mark Gurarie, Health, 6 Aug. 2023
This is the most common type of hiatal hernia.
—Jennifer Whitlock, Rn, Msn, Fn, Verywell Health, 8 Mar. 2023
Because Scott and Bernard are older (there is an explanation for Bernard aging), there are humorous references to acid reflux and a hiatal hernia.
—Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 15 Nov. 2022
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Word History
First Known Use
circa 1944, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near hiatal hernia
Cite this Entry
“Hiatal hernia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hiatal%20hernia. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Medical Definition
hiatal hernia
noun
variants
also hiatus hernia
: herniation of an abdominal organ
specifically
: protrusion of part of the stomach upward into the chest cavity through the passage in the diaphragm for the esophagus that is typically accompanied with movement of the opening of the esophagus into the stomach to a position above the diaphragm and that may be asymptomatic or be accompanied by symptoms typical of gastroesophageal reflux (such as heartburn, belching, or bloating).
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