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Hiatal Hernia Center - Dothan, AL

Dothan Gastroenterologist Doctors for Hiatal Hernia

Type of Physician: Gastroenterologist

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; practitioners focus on the stomach, intestines, colon, liver, and gallbladder (digestive organs). The gastroenterologist treats conditions such as abdominal pain, ulcers, diarrhea, cancer, and jaundice and they consult with surgeons when abdominal operations are indicated.

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Common Name: GI Doctor

Gastroenterologist Doctors in Dothan *

Gastroenterology Associates of Dothan PC
Robert P Albares
480 Honeysuckle Rd
Dothan, AL 36305
(334) 836-1212

Gastroenterology Associates of Dothan PC
Jeffrey J Crittenden
480 Honeysuckle Rd
Dothan, AL 36305
(334) 836-1212

Gastroenterology Associates of Dothan PC
Stavros A Diavolitsis
480 Honeysuckle Rd
Dothan, AL 36305
(334) 836-1212

Gastroenterology Associates of Dothan PC
James L Griffith
480 Honeysuckle Rd
Dothan, AL 36305
(334) 836-1212

Gastroenterology Associates of Dothan PC
Daniel F Jackson
480 Honeysuckle Rd
Dothan, AL 36305
(334) 836-1212

Gastroenterology Associates of Dothan PC
William D McLaughlin
480 Honeysuckle Rd
Dothan, AL 36305
(334) 836-1212

Gastroenterology Associates of Dothan PC
Travis Rutland
480 Honeysuckle Rd
Dothan, AL 36305
(334) 836-1212

Gastroenterology Associates of Dothan PC
Samuel J Tarwater
480 Honeysuckle Rd
Dothan, AL 36305
(334) 836-1212

Robert R Brinson MD
Robert R Brinson
451 St Lukes Dr
Montgomery, AL 36117
(334) 271-1205

Thomas D Bianchi MD
Thomas D Bianchi
80 Herren Hill Rd
STE E
Tallassee, AL 36078
(334) 283-3862

Comm Med Arts Center
Alexander Robbins
875 Friendship Rd
STE F
Tallassee, AL 36078
(334) 283-6460

Internal Medicine Associates PC
George G Gilbert
121 N 20th St
STE 6
Opelika, AL 36801
(334) 749-3385

Internal Medicine Associates PC
W P McGehee
121 N 20th St
STE 6
Opelika, AL 36801
(334) 749-3385

Montgomery Gastroenterology Specialists
Richard E Ginsburg
4146 B Carmichael Rd
Montgomery, AL 36107
(334) 262-3737

Dothan, Alabama

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Hiatal Hernia

What is a hiatal hernia?

A hiatal hernia is an anatomical abnormality in which part of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm and up into the chest. Although hiatal hernias are present in approximately 15% of the population, they are associated with symptoms in only a minority of those afflicted.

Normally, the esophagus or food tube passes down through the chest, crosses the diaphragm, and enters the abdomen through a hole in the diaphragm called the esophageal hiatus. Just below the diaphragm, the esophagus joins the stomach. In individuals with hiatal hernias, the opening of the esophageal hiatus (hiatal opening) is larger than normal, and a portion of the upper stomach slips up or passes (herniates) through the hiatus and into the chest. Although hiatal hernias are occasionally seen in infants where they probably have been present from birth, most hiatal hernias in adults are believed to have developed over many years.

What causes a hiatal hernia?

It is thought that hiatal hernias are caused by a larger-than-normal esophageal hiatus, the opening in the diaphragm through which the esophagus passes from the chest into the abdomen; as a result of the large opening, part of the stomach "slips" into the chest. Other potentially contributing factors include:

  1. A permanent shortening of the esophagus (perhaps caused by inflammation and scarring from the reflux or regurgitation of stomach acid) which pulls the stomach up.
  2. An abnormally loose attachment of the esophagus to the diaphragm which allows the esophagus and stomach to slip upwards.

Are there different types of hiatal hernias?

Hiatal hernias are categorized as being either sliding or para-esophageal.

Sliding hiatal hernias

Sliding hiatal hernias, the mo...

Recommended Reading Related to Hiatal Hernia

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) »

GERD facts

  • GERD is a condition in which the acidified liquid content of the stomach up into the esophagus.
  • The causes of GERD include an abnormal lower esophageal sphincter, hiatal hernia, abnormal esophageal contractions, and slow emptying of the stomach.
  • GERD may damage the lining of the esophagus, thereby causing inflammation (esophagitis), although usually it does not.
  • The symptoms of uncomplicated GERD are heartburn, regurgitation, and nausea.
  • Complications of GERD include ulcers and strictures of the esophagus, Barrett's esophagus, cough and asthma, throat and laryngeal inflammation, inflammation and infection of the lungs, and collection of fluid in the sinuses and middle ear.
  • Barrett's esophagus is a pre-cancerous condition that requires periodic endoscopic surveillance for the development of cancer.
  • GERD may be diagnosed or evalua...

Emergency Contact for Dothan

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Dothan Hospitals *

Southeast Alabama Medical Center
1108 Ross Clark Cir
Dothan, AL 36301
(334)793-8111

HEALTHSOUTH Rehab Hospital of Dothan
1736 E Main St
Dothan, AL 36301
(334)712-6333

Flowers Hospital
4370 W Main St
Dothan, AL 36305
(334)793-5000

Campbellton-Graceville Hospital
5429 College Dr
Graceville, FL 32440
(850)263-4431

Dale Medical Center
126 Hospital Ave
Ozark, AL 36360
(334)774-2601

Medical Center Enterprise
400 N Edwards St
Enterprise, AL 36330
(334)347-0584

Early Memorial Hospital
11740 Columbia St
Blakely, GA 39823
(229)723-4241

Jackson Hospital
4250 Hospital Dr
Marianna, FL 32446
(850)526-2200

Wiregrass Medical Center
1200 W Maple Ave
Geneva, AL 36340
(334)684-3655

Donalsonville Hospital
102 Hospital Cir
Donalsonville, GA 39845
(229)524-5217

Northwest Florida Community Hospital
1360 Brickyard Rd
Chipley, FL 32428
(850)638-1610

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