2023-08-01 13:38:31
Can a severe cough trigger a diaphragmatic hernia? And conversely, can a diaphragmatic hernia cause a cough? You will find out in this article.
The most important things at a glance
A diaphragmatic hernia (hiatus hernia) occurs when part of the stomach protrudes from the abdomen into the chest through a gap in the diaphragm. Depending on where the hernia is, a diaphragmatic hernia may go unnoticed or cause various symptoms.
Cough can be associated with a diaphragmatic hernia in a number of ways.
You can read here which forms of diaphragmatic hernia experts distinguish and which symptoms can occur.
Can coughing cause a diaphragmatic hernia?
Normally, the abdominal cavity and the thoracic cavity are separated from each other by the diaphragm. There is a small natural gap in the diaphragm through which the esophagus runs and empties into the stomach. If this gap widens, parts can push themselves into the chest cavity. Cough may be indirectly involved.
Because with a longer-lasting cough, such as occurs in the context of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pressure is repeatedly exerted on the stomach. And pressure on the abdomen is one of the factors that favor a diaphragmatic hernia.
This pressure can arise not only from coughing, but also from pregnancy or being overweight, for example. Chronic constipation and the associated heavy straining also lead to an increase in pressure in the abdomen.
Another risk factor for a diaphragmatic hernia is a weakening of the supporting structure in the area of the esophagus, which is promoted by influences such as smoking, advanced age or being overweight.
However, not every chronic cough automatically leads to a diaphragmatic hernia. Rather, a diaphragmatic hernia forms through the interaction of several risk factors.
Can a cough indicate a diaphragmatic hernia?
Some people also wonder if coughing can be the result of a diaphragmatic hernia.
A diaphragmatic hernia often remains asymptomatic. It is only discovered by chance during a gastroscopy. In other cases, those affected feel more or less severe discomfort.
If the passage from the esophagus to the stomach is no longer sealed properly by the diaphragmatic hernia, stomach acid can flow into the esophagus. This can lead to signs of acid reflux disease. These include, for example, heartburn, pain behind the breastbone, acid regurgitation and a feeling of fullness. Chronic coughing, hoarseness or a sore throat can also be possible consequences if the larynx is irritated by stomach acid.
A diaphragmatic hernia can therefore indirectly lead to coughing if stomach acid flows through the hernia into the esophagus and up to the larynx. However, not all people with reflux disease necessarily have a diaphragmatic hernia.
Conclusion
A diaphragmatic hernia can be associated with a cough in a number of ways. On the one hand, a severe chronic cough – in addition to numerous other risk factors – can promote a diaphragmatic hernia, as this increases the pressure on the abdominal cavity. On the other hand, a diaphragmatic hernia can lead to coughing in some cases: This can happen if gastric juice flows back into the esophagus through the hernia and irritates the larynx.
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