The trunk of your body is divided into two main cavities: the thoracic (chest) cavity and the peritoneal (abdominal) cavity. The main muscle separating these two cavities is called the diaphragm. Hernias occur when part of your internal organs bulge out of their proper cavity into a different area of your body. Hiatal hernia is the name given to the bulges that occur when organs in the peritoneal cavity slide into the thoracic cavity.

Hiatal hernias occur at the juncture of the stomach and esophagus. The esophagus must pass from your mouth, through your chest cavity, and to your stomach. Thus, it requires a small hole in the diaphragm called the hiatus through which it can pass. Normally, a valve called the lower esophageal sphincter helps keep the stomach contents from flowing up into the esophagus.

Sometimes, though, weakness at this passageway in the diaphragm can allow abdominal organs to squeeze up into the chest cavity. These hiatal hernias are classified based on the way that the stomach and organs slide into the thoracic cavity. There are two main types of these hernias, although there are some minor forms of this condition.

First, sliding hiatal hernias are the most common type. These occur when the connective area between the esophagus and stomach (gastroesophageal junction) and the stomach slide into the chest cavity. The stomach and gastroesophageal junction can remain here permanently, or it can slide back and forth as you swallow.

Next, the other main type of hiatal hernia is called a paraesophageal hernia. With this condition, only a portion of the stomach forces its way into the thoracic cavity. Sometimes, the tight squeeze of the diaphragm muscle around this small bulge of stomach can cut off the blood supply to this area. This may result in tissue death.

Lastly, people can also suffer from traumatic hiatal hernias where an accident forces the contents of the abdominal cavity into the chest cavity.

Sometimes, hiatal hernias can cause you to suffer from conditions like chronic acid reflux. While heartburn and acid reflux can be treated with medication, some drugs, such as Reglan and metoclopramide, can actually result in even more dangerous complications. Medical studies have shown that Reglan and metoclopramide can cause neuromuscular disorders like tardive dyskinesia and cervical dystonia.

If you or someone you love now has a neuromuscular disorder as a result of taking metoclopramide or Reglan, please contact an experienced Reglan lawyer [http://www.reglan-lawsuit-attorney.com/tardive-dyskinesia/] from Williams Kherkher today.