What is a Hiatal Hernia?

A hiatal hernia happens when the upper part of your stomach bulges through the diaphragm (the muscle separating your chest from your abdomen) at the hiatus, an opening in the diaphragm where the esophagus passes. This can allow stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, leading to discomfort.

Types of Hiatal Hernias

1. Sliding Hiatal Hernia: The most common type, where the stomach and lower esophagus slide up into the chest through the hiatus.

2. Paraesophageal Hiatal Hernia: Less common but more serious, where part of the stomach pushes through the hiatus next to the esophagus, potentially causing complications like obstruction or reduced blood flow.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Increased abdominal pressure: From obesity, pregnancy, heavy lifting, coughing,

  or straining during bowel movements.

• Age: More common in people over 50 due to weakening of the diaphragm.

• Obesity: Excess weight increases pressure on the stomach.

• Smoking: Weakens tissues and increases acid reflux risk.

• Genetics: Some people may have a naturally larger hiatus or weaker tissues.

Symptoms

Many hiatal hernias cause no symptoms, but when symptoms occur, they may include:

• Heartburn or acid reflux (GERD symptoms)

• Chest pain or discomfort

• Difficulty swallowing

• Belching or bloating

• Regurgitation of food or sour liquid

• Feeling full soon after eating

• Rarely, severe pain or vomiting (especially with paraesophageal hernias)

  
  

When to Seek Medical Help: Contact your doctor if you have persistent heartburn, severe chest pain, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, or signs of complications like blood in stool or vomit.