Can a hiatal hernia cause dizziness? (+1 facts)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we will discuss dizziness associated with hiatal hernia. We will also discuss how hiatal hernia causes dizziness and how you can manage dizziness associated with hiatal hernia.
Can a hiatal hernia cause dizziness?
Yes, a hiatal hernia may cause dizziness. Dizziness may occur in any kind of hernia, but it is more common with hiatal hernia. Dizziness and lightheadedness may occur when a hiatal hernia puts pressure on the nearby blood vessels and nerves.
Although rarely reported, dizziness is considered one of the symptoms of hiatal hernia syndrome. A hiatal hernia puts undue pressure on your stomach. This pressure may cause your stomach acid to flow up your oesophagus, leading to acid reflux.
When acid refluxes into the upper gastrointestinal system it may affect the tube leading to the inner ear. This irritates the ear canal, causing your ear to swell. The irritation and swelling may cause loss of balance, dizziness, and lightheadedness (1).
What does research suggest?
In one of the clinical reports, a 76-year-old woman presented with dizziness, lightheadedness, and swallowing difficulty due to a huge hiatal hernia. The hernia had put pressure on the chest and had collapsed her left atrium (2).
In another clinical report, an 80-year-old woman experienced dizziness and a vague sensation of ‘spinning inside’. She also lost her balance while walking, and getting out of the car. Her case history signified a hiatal hernia along with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (3).
In one of the case reports, a 37-year-old male complained of dizziness, fatigue, and dyspnea on exertion. The patient was diagnosed with a hiatal hernia with small linear erosions in the hernial sac (a condition known as Cameron lesions) (4).
What other diseases may cause dizziness with hiatal hernia?
Sometimes another underlying disease may cause dizziness if you also have a hiatal hernia. Some of the examples include (5,6):
- Sinus bradycardia due to gastric distention,
- Cardiovascular diseases like cardiac arrhythmia, heart attack, stroke, and ischemic attack,
- Orthostatic hypotension,
- Anxiety disorders like agoraphobia (fear of open spaces), fear of heights, and panic attacks,
- Low iron levels, often referred to as anaemia,
- Low blood sugar level, often referred to as hypoglycemia, and
- Dehydration.
What to do if hiatal hernia-induced dizziness persists?
There are a few things you can do to reduce hiatal hernia-induced dizziness, including:
Talk to your doctor
It is important to discuss hiatal hernia-induced dizziness with your doctor. Sometimes you may mistake dizziness induced by other factors with hiatal hernia-induced dizziness. Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter (OTC) medication for dizziness.
Medication
Your doctor may prescribe antihistamines and anticholinergic agents to treat hiatal hernia-induced dizziness. Meclizine is an OTC antihistamine that is often prescribed to treat dizziness and nausea. However, they may cause drowsiness.
The OTC meclizine (25 mg tablet) is used to treat mild symptoms of dizziness. However, if you have a severe condition then prescription meclizine is also available at higher doses. However, your doctor will be the better judge for a suitable dose of meclizine.
Anticholinergic agents like dimenhydrinate may be given to reduce dizziness caused by hiatal hernia. Dimenhydrinate may cause drowsiness and make your eyes more sensitive to light. However, non-sedative anticholinergics are not as effective as dimenhydrinate.
Surgery
Surgery is one of the most effective ways of treating hiatal hernia. Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) is the most common surgical procedure for sliding hiatal hernia. Surgery is a long-term cure for dizziness, acid reflux, and swallowing problems associated with hiatal hernia.
Drink plenty of water
Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water in a day as dehydration may worsen hiatal hernia-induced dizziness. Dehydration can also lower your blood pressure and make you feel more dizzy than usual.
Lifestyle practices
If you feel dizzy due to a hiatal hernia, lie down as soon as possible and close your eyes. Try to relax and avoid unnecessary blue-screen time (such as mobile phones, TVs, and laptops). If you are overheated, go to an air-conditioned room and get a cool drink.
In my experience as a pharmacist and available information, hiatal hernia can cause dizziness. If you are experiencing prolonged dizziness while also having a hiatal hernia, reach out to your doctor for personalized guidance and appropriate treatment.
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References
1.-
Poelmans J, Tack J, Feenstra L. Prospective study on the incidence of chronic ear complaints related to gastroesophageal reflux and on the outcome of antireflux therapy. Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology. 2002 Oct;111(10):933-8. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/000348940211101013
2.-
Maekawa T, Suematsu M, Shimada T, Go M, Shimada T. Unusual swallow syncope caused by huge hiatal hernia. Internal medicine. 2002;41(3):199-201. https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/internalmedicine1992/41/3/41_3_199/_article/-char/ja/
3.-
Steensma DP, Matteson EL. 80-year-old woman with dizziness. InMayo Clinic Proceedings 1997 Aug 1 (Vol. 72, No. 8, pp. 781-784). Elsevier. https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(11)63599-4/fulltext
4.-
Ghosheh F. Cameron Lesions: Unusual Cause of Profound Anemia: 571. Official journal of the American College of Gastroenterology| ACG. 2009 Oct 1;104:S213. https://journals.lww.com/ajg/Fulltext/2009/10003/.00571.aspx
5.-
Saeed M, Bhandohal JS, Visco F, Pekler G, Mushiyev S. Gastrocardiac syndrome: A forgotten entity. The American Journal of Emergency Medicine. 2018 Aug 1;36(8):1525-e5. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0735675718303656
6.-
Sloane PD, Coeytaux RR, Beck RS, Dallara J. Dizziness: state of the science. Annals of internal medicine. 2001 May 1;134(9_Part_2):823-32. https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/abs/10.7326/0003-4819-134-9_part_2-200105011-00005
