Many people have heard of a hernia. They usually know it is very painful. The way that this happens is by the organs in or near the stomach move into the diaphragm and up to the chest area. There are many different results that happen after this shift takes place. This may include reflux and heartburn.
Obviously, the patient may have stomach issues like abdominal pain and sternal pain after eating. Due to having such significant pain, the patient may also have trouble walking, moving or sleeping. They may consult a nurse to see if she or he can provide ideas to make their lives more comfortable.
These would include avoiding tight clothing, stop eating and drinking caffeine or spicy foods. The person may need to sleep in the semi-Fowler position.
To reduce gastric reflux, the nurse should instruct the client to sleep with his upper body elevated; lose weight, if obese; avoid constrictive clothing, caffeine, and spicy foods; remain upright for 2 hours after eating; and eat small, frequent meals.
