Hiatus Hernia & H. pylori Infection: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment in Agra
Two Common but Often Missed Causes of Chronic Acidity
By Dr. Karan R. Rawat
Senior Gastro, General & Laparoscopic Surgeon
Consulting patients from Agra and nearby regions – Firozabad, Mathura, Mathura, Hathras, Mainpuri, Etawah, Bharatpur, Dholpur, Sikandra, Dayalbagh & Sanjay Place.
Introduction: Not All Acidity Is “Just Gas”
Chronic acidity, heartburn, bloating, chest discomfort, or regurgitation are often ignored or self-treated. Two very common but under-diagnosed causes are:
- Hiatus hernia
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection
Treating symptoms without identifying these conditions can lead to long-term complications.
What Is Hiatus Hernia?
A hiatus hernia occurs when part of the stomach slides upward into the chest through the diaphragm opening (hiatus).
Types of Hiatus Hernia
- Sliding hiatus hernia (most common)
- Paraesophageal hernia (less common but dangerous)
Symptoms of Hiatus Hernia
- Chronic acidity / heartburn
- Acid reflux (GERD)
- Chest pain (often mistaken for heart pain)
- Difficulty swallowing
- Regurgitation of food
- Chronic cough or throat irritation
- Symptoms worse after meals or lying down
Causes & Risk Factors of Hiatus Hernia
- Obesity
- Chronic coughing
- Constipation and straining
- Heavy lifting
- Pregnancy
- Aging
- Smoking
What Is H. pylori Infection?
Helicobacter pylori is a bacteria that infects the stomach lining and is a major cause of:
- Chronic gastritis
- Peptic ulcer disease
- Recurrent acidity
- Increased risk of stomach cancer
It is very common in India and often acquired in childhood.
Symptoms of H. pylori Infection
- Burning stomach pain
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Early fullness
- Bad breath
- Black stools or anemia (in ulcers)
Many patients remain asymptomatic but still develop complications.
Connection Between Hiatus Hernia & H. pylori
Although different conditions, they often coexist and worsen each other:
- H. pylori causes inflammation and acidity
- Hiatus hernia promotes acid reflux
- Together they lead to severe GERD, ulcers, and poor quality of life
Proper diagnosis is essential for complete relief.
When Should You Be Concerned? 🚨
Seek medical evaluation if you have:
- Acidity lasting more than 2–3 weeks
- Night-time reflux or cough
- Difficulty swallowing
- Unexplained weight loss
- Recurrent vomiting
- Black stools or anemia
Diagnosis of Hiatus Hernia & H. pylori
Investigations May Include:
- Upper GI endoscopy
- H. pylori tests (biopsy, breath test, stool antigen)
- Barium swallow X-ray
- Ultrasound or CT scan (selected cases)
Treatment of Hiatus Hernia in Agra
🔹 Medical Management (Early / Mild Cases)
- Acid-reducing medicines
- Dietary modification
- Weight reduction
- Avoid lying down after meals
🔹 Surgical Treatment (For Severe Cases)
- Laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery
- Hiatus hernia repair
Surgery provides long-term relief in selected patients.
Treatment of H. pylori Infection
🔹 Eradication Therapy
- Combination of antibiotics
- Acid-suppressing medications
- Strict compliance is essential
Eradication prevents:
✔ Ulcers
✔ Recurrence of acidity
✔ Long-term gastric complications
Why Treatment Should Be Complete
Incomplete or improper treatment leads to:
- Persistent symptoms
- Antibiotic resistance
- Recurrent ulcers
- Increased cancer risk
Why Choose Dr. Karan R. Rawat in Agra?
Patients looking for:
- Best acidity doctor in Agra
- Hiatus hernia specialist near me
- H. pylori infection treatment
- GERD surgeon in Agra
Trust because of:
- Expertise in gastro & laparoscopic surgery
- Accurate endoscopic diagnosis
- Evidence-based treatment protocols
- Ethical, patient-focused care
- Management of complex reflux disorders
Lifestyle & Diet Tips for Recovery
✔ Small frequent meals
✔ Avoid spicy, oily & late-night food
✔ Elevate head end during sleep
✔ Quit smoking & alcohol
✔ Manage constipation
✔ Maintain healthy weight
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can hiatus hernia heal without surgery?
Mild cases may be managed medically; severe cases need surgery.
Q2. Is H. pylori infection dangerous?
Yes, if untreated it can cause ulcers and increase cancer risk.
Q3. Can H. pylori cause acidity?
Yes, it is a common cause of chronic gastritis and reflux.
Q4. Is surgery safe for hiatus hernia?
Yes, laparoscopic surgery is safe and effective in expert hands.
Q5. Can these conditions recur?
H. pylori can recur if not completely eradicated; surgery offers durable relief for hernia.
Final Message for Patients
🛑 Chronic acidity is not normal
🛑 Self-medication delays diagnosis
🛑 Early evaluation prevents complications
If you are suffering from long-standing acidity, reflux, or stomach pain, consult a gastro specialist early for lasting relief.
Looking for:
- Hiatus hernia treatment in Agra
- H. pylori infection doctor near me
- Chronic acidity specialist
- GERD surgery in Agra
👉 Correct diagnosis = complete relief