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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
The term 'prevalence' of Hiatal hernia usually refers to the estimated population of people who are managing Hiatal hernia at any given time. The term 'incidence' of Hiatal hernia refers to the annual diagnosis rate, or the number of new cases of Hiatal hernia diagnosed each year. Hence, these two statistics types can differ: a short-lived disease like flu can have high annual incidence but low prevalence, but a life-long disease like diabetes has a low annual incidence but high prevalence. For more information see about prevalence and incidence statistics.
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