Hiatus Hernia

[babyinny]

I am still waiting to see rheumatologist for definite diagnoses of crest . I have been attending dental hospital with a granuloma inflamation on my gum .I had recent appointment with maxillo facial surgeon with a view to removing the lump again and he did a further ct scan.I have been advised I have a hiatus hernia and was wondering if anyone has this with their schleroderma, I have been suffering incredible burning throat , sore tongue for a year now and more recently pressure in chest area that I actually went to A and E with ,have read a hiatus hernia can cause this .Kathy

[dianekjs]

Hiatal hernias are very common in the general population as well as in scleroderma and don’t always cause symptoms, particularly if they are small. However, if they are larger or there are compounding GI problems, they can cause heartburn and/or abdominal and chest discomfort and possibly regurgitation. They are often associated with GERD, which is nearly universal in limited systemic sclerosis (old name CREST). From the description of your symptoms, you probably should have an esophageal manometry test done and possibly a barium swallow study as well. Are you on a PPI for reflux? In scleroderma it is critical to control the acid or it can lead to permanent damage of the esophagus, throat, and lungs. Most of us have to be on high dose PPIs long-term because we can’t keep the stomach contents from refluxing and continually bathing the esophagus in acid, so the only way to minimize damage is to decrease or neutralize the acid. I’m sorry you’re dealing with this and hope you are able to get some answers and relief soon.

[babyinny in reply to dianekjs]

Thank so much for your response Dianekjs

I am still awaiting rheumatology appointment and I am sure all the tests will be completed there . I am currently on 20mg omeprazole but this was just prescribed a few days ago hopefully will make a difference in due course. My gp will not do any further tests as I have been referred to rheumatology. take care x