What is Hiatal Hernia?
Hernia is a common condition in which part of an internal organ or tissue bulges through a defect within the muscle.
Hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of stomach bulges through an opening (hiatus) within the diaphragm. The diaphragm is a large muscle, which separates your abdomen and chest.
What is Hiatal Hernia?
Causes of Hiatal hernia
Your diaphragm has multiple small openings through which various structures move between the chest and abdomen. Your food tube (esophagus) passes through one of these small openings and connects to the stomach. Hiatal hernia occurs when the stomach pushes up through that opening and enters into your chest.

Causes of Hiatal hernia

Symptoms of Hiatal hernia
A small hiatal hernia usually does not cause problems and most people are unaware of its existence unless detected during exams conducted for other purposes.
A large hiatal hernia will cause the back flow of food and acid contents from your stomach to the esophagus, causing one or more of the following symptoms:
- Heartburn
- Sore throat
- Bad taste in mouth
- Regurgitation of food into the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Chest or abdominal pain
- Shortness of breath
- Vomiting of blood
- Black stools
Risk Factors of Hiatal hernia
- Age 50 or older
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Lifting heavy objects
- Chronic constipation and straining
- Chronic coughing
- Fluid within the abdomen (ascites)
- Smoking
Prevention of Hiatal Hernia
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Preventing constipation by consuming high-fiber foods
- Avoiding heavy lifting
- Stopping smoking
- Avoiding wearing a tight belt or tight clothing that can increase the pressure on the abdomen
Complications of Hiatal hernia
- Severe chest or abdomen pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Fever
- Rapid heart rate
Diagnosis of Hiatal hernia
- Barium swallow: In this test, you will be asked to drink a liquid called barium which is a contrast agent. It will light up on X-ray. As you will drink and swallow this barium liquid, a specialized series of x-rays will be taken.
- Endoscopy: A specialized flexible tube with a camera will be passed to see your esophagus, stomach and upper small intestine.
- Esophageal manometry: It measures the pressure of sphincter of lower esophagus.
Treatment of Hiatal hernia
- Lose weight, if you are over weight
- Frequent small meals
- Quit smoking
- Increase physical activity
- Antacids and other medicines to relieve heartburn.
- Surgical Management of Hiatal hernia
When you should see a Doctor?
- Unusual weight loss
- Swallowing becomes very difficult or painful
- Frequent vomiting
- Blood in vomiting
- Severe upper abdominal or chest pain
Diet and Exercise
To prevent constipation, increase your water intake, use stool softeners, and increase dietary fiber intake.
No limitations on physical activity. A standard moderate physical activity of at least 30 minutes for at least five days per week is recommended.