Skip to content
WebMD: Better Information. Better Health.
Other search tools:Symptoms|Doctors|Videos

Heartburn/GERD Health Center

Font Size
A
A
A

Understanding Hiatal Hernia - Prevention

How Can I Prevent a Hiatal Hernia?

To prevent symptoms of a hiatal hernia:

  • Wear loose clothing. Anything that presses on the stomach can aggravate hiatal hernia symptoms.
  • When your stomach is full, avoid bending over or lying down. This increases abdominal pressure and makes gravity work against you, so heartburn is more likely.
  • Do not bend over or lie down for 2-3 hours after eating.

To prevent hiatal hernia:

  • Maintain a reasonable weight.
  • Don't smoke.

 

WebMD Medical Reference

Reviewed by Martin E. Zipser, MD on December 15, 2008
webMD Video

Show or hide information about video: Overeating and Acid Reflux   Overeating and Acid Reflux

48x48_overeating_acid_reflux.jpg

It’s not just what you eat that can cause your stomach to churn. It’s also how much you eat and what you do after meals.

Watch Video: Overeating and Acid Reflux (opens in a new window)

Show or hide information about video: High-Tech Reflux Exam   High-Tech Reflux Exam

Show or hide information about video: Asthma and Acid Reflux   Asthma and Acid Reflux

Show or hide information about video: Choosing Multivitamins Wisely

  Choosing Multivitamins Wisely

Show or hide information about video: Swallowing Disorders   Swallowing Disorders