
How Is Hiatus Hernia Treated ?

Thanks for writing to us.
The left sided rib cage pain with a feeling of fullness suggests something like that of a Hiatus hernia.
Diagnosis can be confirmed by upper GI endoscopy.
Try raising the head end of your bed about four inches with blocks.
It also might help to avoid eating or drinking for two hours before you lie down.
To help control the stomach acid, one should not drink alcohol or drinks with caffeine in them, or eat chocolate or spicy or greasy foods.
The drugs you are taking are likely to produce a relief but as soon as you stop them, the symptoms will recur.
The alternating diarrhea and constipation that you have might be a result of an irritable bowel syndrome- more prominent with stress and anxiety.
Try to do some dietary changes and lifestyle modifications for relief.
1.Some vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts) and legumes (beans) may worsen bloating and gassiness and should be avoided.
2.Dietary fiber may lessen symptoms of constipation.
3.Drink plenty of water, and avoid carbonated drinks such as soda, which may cause gas and discomfort.
4.Eat smaller meals and eat slowly to help reduce cramping and diarrhea.
5.Low fat, high carbohydrate meals such as pasta, rice, and whole-grain breads may help.
Reduce caffeine, alcohol, dairy products, fatty foods, artificial sweeteners.
You can use some over the counter drugs like pepto bismol, tums, imodium, entrocalm, etc for symptomatic relief.
Daily exercises along with a low fat diet will help you overcome the problems.
You will need to checkout whether you have lactose intolerance by having some tests under your physician's guidance.
I hope my answer and recommendations are adequate and helpful. Waiting for your further follow up queries if any.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.

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