Hiatus hernia

[knirirr]

A bit of a strange question, but I wonder if anyone here has had any hiatus hernia issues due to playing the trombone, i.e. that specific hernia where part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm.
I asked a I developed symptoms (which have since undergone a proper medical investigation and diagnosis) some months after taking up the instrument, and can't think of anything which might have caused it.
Of course, a physician wouldn't necessarily be able to identify the cause, so I wondered if anyone here had any such experiences.

[Burgerbob]

I have a friend that used to work at disney in my job who got quite a serious hernia from playing.

[Doug Elliott]

The hiatus is a hole in the diaohragm that the esophagus passes through. Sometimes part of the stomach protrudes through that hole along with the esophagus, and that's a hiatal hernia.

Hiatal hernias are quite common in the general population, so not necessarily related to playing at all. I have it, confirmed by an upper GI that I requested be done while I was getting a colonoscopy. Acid reflux is the main symptom and that can be managed with something like Omeprazole (over the counter Prilosec).

As far as playing is concerned, be as effcient as possible and don't overbreathe, take in only the air you need. You don't want any excess internal pressure. And don't bottle up the air on attacks, inhale and exhale with no holding the air back. And in the same way, be careful when coughing or sneezing.

[knirirr]

Thanks for the replies. Indeed, the reflux is a bit of a nuisance and requires medication, though my physician isn't keen on long term use at the dosage required.
I have to use a practice mute often which might perhaps not help.

[Doug Elliott]

I went through 3 bottles of Rabeprazole and then stopped it. Haven't had any noticeable reflux since then.
For years I've been doing the 14 day course of Prilosec about 3 times a year, and that has managed it well.

Watch out for excess pressure using the practice mute... or just play super soft without it.