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What Causes Breathing Problem When Diagnosed With Hiatal Hernia?

Posted on Sat, 25 Mar 2017

Question: Can a small hiatal hernia cause breathing problems and if so what can be done to correct the problem? Many lifters have had this problem and I hope some gastroenterologist with sports experience can answer this question. I have been having some breathing problems.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please follow....

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking .
I read carefully all your concerns and I can say as follows:
1. I need to check by myself your upper endoscopy to better evaluate the size of the hiatal hernia.
2.Usually small hiatal hernia is not associated with
breath issues and difficulty.
Otherwise I would like to know if you have other symptoms like:
- do you have burning or burping during the day?
- do you have cough in the morning?
- do you have acid reflux symptoms?
3. I'm cases like large hiatal hernia with breathing problems laparoscopic surgery is indicated.

Otherwise it is advised is severe cases.
wish you all the best.
Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (30 hours later)

Hi, Dr. To answer your questions, I don't have any acid reflux symptoms, no coughing in the morning, I may burp a little bit but nothing out of the ordinary and as far as the burning it feels more like a tightness behind my breast bone and to the left side and times slightly to the right. I don't know if it is the medicine pantoprazole, or the foods I eat at times, or if it is triggered by some anxiety I still have. It is very frustrating. I did forget to mention that I also have a small ulcer, non bleeding, and that's also another reason for the medication. I don't know how I could show you a picture of the hiatal hernia. I wish you could see it, but the dr. told me it was a small one. I use to be a power lifter. I am now 59, male and still wanting to continue to work out.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (22 hours later)

Brief Answer:
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Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
First of all you can send me the photos of hiatal hernia.
Otherwise you are reporting that you have small stomach ulcer and this issue may cause symptoms like stomach pain but is not associated with breathing problems.
Another issue that may cause your symptoms are muscle injuries.

You are reporting too that you have had anxiety and it may mimic breathing problems or aggravate them.
To my opinion you can do cognitive behavioural therapy to improve anxiety issues.

Hope it was helpful to you.
Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (33 hours later)

SInce I have a small hiatal hernia, are their limitations on what exercises I can do? What about if I have a headache can I take Ibuprophen since I also have a small ulcer? I think I agree with you that my anxiety may cause this tightness around my stomach.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (26 hours later)

Brief Answer:
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Detailed Answer:
Hi
With regards to exercises , you can do everything because it doesn't affect small hiatal hernia
If you will have headache it is better if you use acetaminophen since you have stomach ulcer

Otherwise you can use e ibuprofen only after meal and in rare situations.

Hope it was helpful to you!
Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (13 hours later)

Dr. Shehu, when I talk about exercises, I am talking about weight training. I think your saying it is okay as long as it is not to heavy? I love to weight train and I would like to continue especially back squats. I wanted to exercise because, for me it has taken away the depression because I didn't want to take zoloft. It has helped with my anxiety also.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (20 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please follow...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
It is not a problem if you continue your usually exercises. They will not affect your hiatal hernia.
To my opinion exercises will help you to avoid anxiety.
This is why they will have a better effect on your symptoms.
Hope it was helpful to you.
Dr.Klerida

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar