The contents of the abdominal cavity are separated from the chest cavity by the diaphragm. The diaphragm is a thin layer of muscle which is crucial in assisting us to breathe. Within the diaphragm is a weak spot called the hiatus where the oesophagus, the tube extending from the mouth to the stomach in which food is transported, passes through from the chest cavity to the abdominal cavity. It is at this point that the oesophagus and stomach can herniate or bulge through the diaphragm to the chest cavity, and is referred to as a hiatus hernia.
Symptoms and characteristics:
It is estimated that approximately half of all people with hiatus hernia have no symptoms. People who do experience symptoms related to the hiatus hernia may report the following:
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heartburn where stomach acids go back up the oesophagus towards the mouth
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difficulty swallowing
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inflammation of the oesophagus
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chest or abdominal pain which is worse when lying flat
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burping.
Workplace adjustments and solutions:
In the workplace there are various factors that would greatly assist people with hiatial hernias to better manage their symptoms, or reduce the risk of further complications. These include:
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wearing loose clothing
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restricting lifting, climbing, repetitive bending and any activity requiring strain over the abdominal region
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avoiding strenuous physical activity
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specific restrictions may be required if the hernia requires surgical repair.
(Better Health Channel 2007; MDA Internet 2005-2008)
There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:
References:
Better Health Channel 2007, Hernia’s explained, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 30 January 2009, http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Hernias_explained?open
MDA Internet 2005-2008, Hernia, Hiatial, Reed Group Ltd, Colorado, viewed 30 January 2009, http://www.mdainternet.com (secure site)