Weight loss (if overweight) reduces the pressure on the abdomen of the
midsection fat. Thus less pushing of stomach contents up the esophagus.
If you have the "normal" gynecoid extra fat (thighs and buttocks) it may not
help as much.
Breathing pressure probably does not do anything to cause a hiatal hernia.
I do not know of studies (although they may be there). Hiatal hernias are a
"normal" process of aging. Reflux also is "normal" physiology until it is
so common that the esophagus is injured or other symptoms develop.
John
John J. Messmer, M.D.
Assistant Professor, Family & Community Medicine
Penn State College of Medicine
----- Original Message -----
From: "Sally Bradshaw" <songful@c...>
From: "Sally Bradshaw" <songful@c...>
To: "vocalist" <vocalist-temporary@yahoogroups.com>
To: "vocalist" <vocalist-temporary@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Sunday, February 04, 2001 10:19 AM
Subject: [vocalist] reflux, overweight and hiatus hernia
> I would like to know what the connection between weight loss and relief of
> reflux actually is - why does weight loss tend to relieve the symptoms?
> Also, I wonder if there have ever been any studies on operatic singing and
> hiatus hernia. Does anyone believe that the pressure of breathing might
> provoke a hiatus hernia? If that were so it is a bit worrying......
>
> Songful
>
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