Can you just let it go or do you need to get something done about it

Hello Anon

Thank you for writing.

For the benefit of our readers, a hiatal hernia is a condition in which the upper part of the stomach moves up through a small opening in the diaphragm into the chest. The diaphragm is the muscular wall that separates the abdominal cavity from the chest cavity.

As to your question - in general, hiatal hernias are usually treated only when there are symptoms. When GERD is present, the following measures may help:

Weight Loss
For people who are obese, losing weight may relieve symptoms.

Dietary Changes
Avoid foods that can relax the muscle that controls the opening between the esophagus and the stomach including:

Chocolate
Peppermint
Fatty foods
Coffee
Alcoholic beverages
Avoid foods and beverages that can irritate the internal lining of the esophagus, such as:

Caffeine
Citrus fruits and juices
Tomato products
Hot peppers
Carbonated beverages
To minimize acid reflux:

Consume smaller meals 4 to 6 times a day versus three large meals
Avoid drinking large amounts of fluids with meals
Do not eat within 2 to 3 hours of bedtime
Smoking Cessation
If you smoke, stop. Smoking weakens the lower esophageal sphincter, a muscle that controls the opening between the esophagus and the stomach.

Reduce Pressure on Your Abdomen
Wear clothes and belts that are loose around your waist
Avoid stooping or bending after meals, which puts increased pressure on the abdomen
Elevation
Elevating the head of the bed on 6-inch blocks or sleeping on a specially designed wedge reduces heartburn. This position helps prevent stomach contents from refluxing backward into the esophagus.

Antacids
Antacids can neutralize acid and temporarily relieve heartburn.

Prescription Medications
For chronic reflux and heartburn, several types of medications may be prescribed to reduce acid in the stomach. These include:

H2 blockers such as:
Cimetidine
Famotidine
Nizatidine
Ranitidine
Proton pump inhibitors such as:
Omeprazole
Esomeprazole
Lansoprazole
Pantoprazole
Rabeprazole
Surgery
Surgery may be needed if:

You have severe GERD symptoms that do not respond to other treatments.
The hernia is at risk for twisting, which could cut off the blood supply to part of the stomach and cause that part to die.

Best,
Susan