10 Hiatal Hernia Signs and Symptoms to Know
A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach moves upward through the opening in the diaphragm. Small hiatal hernias may cause no symptoms at all, while larger ones can contribute to reflux and other problems.
Common symptoms can include:
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Heartburn — burning behind the breastbone, often after meals or when lying down.
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Acid reflux — stomach acid or food coming back up toward the throat.
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Regurgitation — a sour or bitter taste or feeling food coming back into the mouth.
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Chest or upper-abdominal discomfort — sometimes mistaken for heart-related pain.
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Difficulty swallowing — food may feel as though it sticks or moves slowly.
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Frequent belching — increased burping can occur with reflux and swallowed air.
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Bloating or feeling unusually full — particularly after eating.
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Chronic cough or throat irritation — reflux reaching the throat can trigger coughing or throat clearing.
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Hoarseness or a sore throat — particularly in people with reflux-related throat irritation.
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Feeling worse after meals or when lying down — bending over or lying flat can aggravate reflux symptoms.
When to get checked
These symptoms don’t prove that you have a hiatal hernia; reflux, ulcers, gallbladder disease, and other conditions can cause similar symptoms.
Seek urgent medical attention for severe or new chest pain, especially if it occurs with shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, dizziness, or pain spreading to the arm, back, neck, or jaw.
If you have persistent heartburn, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, unexplained weight loss, or black/bloody stools, arrange a medical evaluation rather than treating it as simple reflux.
