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Hiatal Hernia
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, a board-certified gastroenterologist at GastroDoxs in Houston, provides care for hiatal hernias. He uses advanced diagnostics and personalized treatments, from lifestyle changes to medications and minimally invasive surgery, to relieve reflux, heartburn, and restore quality of life.
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Aging and weakening of the diaphragm
Increased abdominal pressure from obesity or overweight
Pregnancy
Heavy lifting or straining
Chronic coughing or sneezing
Family history of hiatal hernia
Signs and Symptoms
Heartburn or acid reflux
Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
Chest discomfort, especially when bending or lying down
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Difficulty swallowing
How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses Hiatal Hernia?
Review of Symptoms and Medical History
Dr. Nguyen begins by discussing your heartburn, chest or epigastric pain, reflux episodes, and any family history of hernias or reflux disease.
Physical Examination
He performs a focused abdominal and chest exam to look for signs of a hernia and assess tenderness or other abnormalities.
Endoscopy
A thin, flexible camera is passed through your mouth to visualize the esophagus and stomach, checking for a hiatal hernia, esophagitis, or other lesions.
Barium Swallow X-ray
You drink a barium solution and X-rays are taken to outline the esophagus and stomach, revealing any protrusion of the stomach through the diaphragm.
24-Hour Esophageal pH Monitoring
A small probe measures acid exposure in your esophagus over a full day, correlating acid reflux events with your symptoms, including epigastric discomfort.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for hiatal hernia.
1. Diet and Lifestyle Modifications
Eat smaller, more frequent meals to reduce pressure on the diaphragm
Avoid trigger foods such as spicy dishes, citrus, chocolate and caffeine
Remain upright for at least two hours after eating
Raise the head of your bed 6-8 inches to minimize nighttime reflux
Lose weight if needed to decrease abdominal pressure
2. Medications
Antacids for rapid, short-term relief of heartburn
H2 blockers (e.g., famotidine) to reduce stomach acid production
Proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole) for longer-lasting acid control
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication to reinforce the lower esophageal valve
LINX® device implantation—a magnetic ring around the esophagus to prevent reflux
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ICD-10 code for a hiatal hernia?
The code is K44.9. It refers to a hiatal hernia without obstruction or tissue damage.
How long does it take to recover from surgery?
Most people return to normal activities in one to two weeks. Full healing takes about four to six weeks.
Can I prevent a hiatal hernia?
You can lower the risk by keeping a healthy weight and avoiding heavy lifting.
What is life like after surgery?
You will start with soft foods and slowly return to a normal diet. Many patients feel long-term relief from reflux.
Are there non-surgical treatments?
Yes. Diet, weight control, and medications help many people manage symptoms without surgery.
Can children get hiatal hernias?
It is rare, but it can happen. Children with this condition need special care.
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