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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Shortness Of Breath While Having Hiatus Hernia?

I have a hiatus hernia and I am currently on holiday in a Spanish village 3000 Ft above sea level. I am having terrible trouble breathing especially after eating or drinking . Has this anything to do with the high altitude .?This is the second time this has happened when visiting this village .
Fri, 2 Dec 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Short answer: High altitude + Hiatus hernia both are responsible.

Elaboration: altitude sickness though generally occurs above 8k feet , it may occur at ht you mentioned. Specially when you ascend at speed of 500 ft / day(or more) and oxygen concentration is less.

In my opinion, hiatus hernia is more responsible for your breathlessness, as herniated stomach bulges(more after you eat/drink) into the lung and decreases inspiratory air volume....and thus reduces resultant availability of oxygen.

If your symptoms are not relieved... Consider Decent + visit nearby ER.

Take care.
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What Causes Shortness Of Breath While Having Hiatus Hernia?

Short answer: High altitude + Hiatus hernia both are responsible. Elaboration: altitude sickness though generally occurs above 8k feet , it may occur at ht you mentioned. Specially when you ascend at speed of 500 ft / day(or more) and oxygen concentration is less. In my opinion, hiatus hernia is more responsible for your breathlessness, as herniated stomach bulges(more after you eat/drink) into the lung and decreases inspiratory air volume....and thus reduces resultant availability of oxygen. If your symptoms are not relieved... Consider Decent + visit nearby ER. Take care.