Diaphragmatic Hernia

A diaphragmatic hernia is the passage of part of the abdominal organs into the chest through an opening or weakness in the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the abdomen from the chest. It may be present from birth or develop over time.

Common symptoms:

• Heartburn, reflux, or discomfort when eating
• Pain or pressure in the chest or the upper part of the abdomen
• In some cases, difficulty breathing

When to see a doctor? When digestive symptoms are persistent or are accompanied by difficulty breathing, an evaluation with appropriate tests is advisable.

Which specialist treats it? The general surgeon and the thoracic surgeon manage this condition, the gastroenterologist evaluates the digestive complaints, and the general practitioner performs the first evaluation. The advisable thing is to review the case with a health professional.