Hiatus hernia is most common in middle aged and elderly women. In this condition, the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm and up into thoracis cavity. The portion of stomach above the diaphragm looks like herniation. It is called vidagdhajirna in Ayurveda.
Obesity, over-eating and intake of spicy and sour foods are among the major causes of this disorder. Psychological factors like stress, anxiety, tension, anger, and fear also play an important role in aggravating this disease. Anatomical abnormilities related to oesophagus (such as short oesophagus) can also cause this disease. Conditions that increase intra-abdominal pressure (such as intestinal obstruction, flatulance) can also push the stomach upwards resulting in hiatus hernai.
From Ayurvedic perspectives, fluidity of pitta dosha increases in vidagdhajirna and extinguishes the gastric fire. So digestion gets hampered. Food starts getting fermented and indigestion ensues. Apart from above mentioned symptoms, Ayurvda pinpoints excess sweating, thirst, vomitting, fever, giddiness, burning of eyes and unconsciousness as characteristic features of vidagdhajirna. It may manifest into extremely painful ulcers. Ayurvedic treatment is aimed at balancing body energies and restoring healthy digestion.