How Do You Spell PARAESOPHAGEAL HERNIA?

1. A paraesophageal hernia is a type of hernia that occurs when a portion of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm and into the chest cavity next to the esophagus. The diaphragm is a muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity and helps in breathing by contracting and expanding.

   In a paraesophageal hernia, the stomach bulges through an opening in the diaphragm called the esophageal hiatus, and can become trapped in the chest cavity. This type of hernia is often caused by a weakness in the diaphragm muscle or an enlarged esophageal hiatus due to aging or increased pressure in the abdomen, such as from pregnancy, obesity, or chronic coughing.

   Symptoms of a paraesophageal hernia can vary, but commonly include heartburn, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, feeling full after eating a small amount, bloating, and regurgitation. Some people may not experience any symptoms and the condition is discovered incidentally during a medical exam.

   Treatment for a paraesophageal hernia typically involves surgical repair. During the procedure, the stomach is repositioned below the diaphragm and the opening in the diaphragm is closed to prevent future herniation. In some cases, if the hernia is small and not causing symptoms, a watchful waiting approach may be taken with periodic monitoring and lifestyle changes. If left untreated, a paraesophageal hernia can potentially lead to complications like strangulation or obstruction of the herniated stomach, which would require emergency surgery.

Common Misspellings for PARAESOPHAGEAL HERNIA

The word "paraesophageal hernia" can be broken down into two components: "para-" and "esophageal hernia".

1. "Para-": This prefix comes from the Greek word "pará", meaning "beside" or "alongside". In medical terminology, "para-" is often used to describe something that is near or alongside a particular organ or structure.

2. "Esophageal hernia": The term "esophageal" refers to the esophagus, which is the muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach. "Hernia" is a condition in which an organ or tissue protrudes through a weak spot or opening in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. In this case, "esophageal hernia" refers to a hernia that involves the esophagus.