Hiatal hernia

A hiatal hernia is a condition in which part of the stomach is pushed upward through the diaphragm. There is a small opening (hiatus) in the diaphragm through which the esophagus passes on its way to the stomach.

It is detected when evaluating the causes of heartburn, chest pain, or abdominal pain. Most people with a hiatal hernia do not experience symptoms and do not require treatment. If symptoms such as heartburn and acid rising from the stomach into the esophagus (reflux) recur, they can be treated with medications or surgery.

General Information

The stomach can be pushed through this opening and cause a hiatal hernia. In most cases, a small hernia does not cause problems and most people are unaware of its existence. However, a large hiatal hernia may result in food and acid flowing back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and chest pain.

Medications can relieve symptoms, but sometimes a large hiatal hernia requires surgery, especially if the hernia develops and the muscles and ligaments around the opening in the diaphragm weaken and allow part of the stomach to protrude into the chest cavity.