Health News Portal

Health News Portal is an online community dedicated to the compilation, discussion and dissemination of current and topical news and information related to the Health Care, Medical, and Pharmaceutical industry. We offer an up to the minute selection of health care news feeds, reference information, provider directories, and discussion forums on topics including diseases, conditions, treatments, and links to user communities around the world. Health News Portal is not affiliated with any manufacturer of any pharmaceutical or medical products.

&nsbp;

MedTerms Medical Dictionary

Provided by MedicineNet.com

Dictionary Home

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Find a medical definition by using the A-Z listing (select a letter)

Para-esophageal hiatal hernia: Hiatal hernias are categorized as being either para-esophageal or sliding.

Para-esophageal hernias are hernias in which the gastro- esophageal junction stays where it belongs (attached at the level of the diaphragm), but part of the stomach passes or bulges into the chest beside the esophagus. The para- esophageal hernias themselves remain in the chest at all times and are not affected by swallows.

A para-esophageal hiatal hernia that is large, particularly if it compresses the adjacent esophagus, may impede the passage of food into the stomach and cause food to stick in the esophagus after it is swallowed. Ulcers also may form in the herniated stomach due to the trauma caused by food that is stuck or acid from the stomach. Fortunately, large para-esophageal hernias are uncommon.

Sliding hiatal hernias are those in which the junction of the esophagus and stomach, referred to as the gastro- esophageal junction, and part of the stomach protrude into the chest. The junction may reside permanently in the chest, but often it juts into the chest only during a swallow. This occurs because with each swallow the muscle of the esophagus contracts causing the esophagus to shorten and to pull up the stomach. When the swallow is finished, the herniated part of the stomach falls back into the abdomen.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Find a medical definition by using the A-Z listing (select a letter)

Information in the MedTerms Medical Dictionary is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. You should carefully read all product packaging. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider.

We comply with the HONcode standard for health trust worthy information:
verify here.

Surplus Domain Names