Following is a list of causes or underlying conditions (see also Misdiagnosis of underlying causes of Hiatal hernia) that could possibly cause Hiatal hernia includes:
Conditions listing Hiatal hernia as a symptom may also be potential underlying causes of Hiatal hernia. Our database lists the following as having Hiatal hernia as a symptom of that condition:
The following medical news items are relevant to causes of Hiatal hernia:
As with all medical conditions, there may be many causal factors. Further relevant information on causes of Hiatal hernia may be found in:
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Hiatal hernia typically results from muscle weakening that’s common with aging and may be secondary to esophageal carcinoma, kyphoscoliosis, trauma, or certain surgical procedures. It may also result from certain diaphragmatic malformations that may cause congenital weakness. Obesity and smoking are common risk factors.
In hiatal hernia, the muscular collar around the esophageal and diaphragmatic junction loosens, permitting the lower portion of the esophagus and the stomach to rise into the chest when intra-abdominal pressure increases (possibly causing gastroesophageal reflux). Such increased intra-abdominal pressure may result from ascites, pregnancy, obesity, constrictive clothing, bending, straining, coughing, Valsalva’s maneuver, or extreme physical exertion.
Sliding hernias are more common than paraesophageal hernias. The incidence of hiatal hernia increases with age (most occur in people older than age 40), and prevalence is higher in women than in men (especially the paraesophageal type). Contributing factors include obesity and trauma. No racial predilection exists.
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Usually, hiatal hernia results from muscle weakening that’s common with aging and may be secondary to esophageal cancer, kyphoscoliosis, trauma, and certain surgical procedures. It may also result from certain diaphragmatic malformations that may cause congenital weakness.
In hiatal hernia, the muscular collar around the esophageal and diaphragmatic junction loosens, permitting the lower portion of the esophagus and the stomach to rise into the chest when intra-abdominal pressure increases (possibly causing gastroesophageal reflux). Such increased intra-abdominal pressure may result from ascites, pregnancy, obesity, constrictive clothing, bending, straining, coughing, Valsalva’s maneuver, or extreme physical exertion.
A sliding hernia is 3 to 10 times more common than paraesophageal and mixed hernias combined. In fact, sliding hernias comprise 90% of hiatal hernias. The incidence of hiatal hernia is higher in women than in men (especially the paraesophageal type) and increases with age.
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
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