10 Signs and Symptoms of a Hiatal Hernia You Should Know
A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes upward through an opening in the diaphragm. Small hiatal hernias often cause no symptoms at all and may be discovered incidentally.
When symptoms occur, they can include:
- Heartburn — a burning sensation behind the breastbone, often worse after eating or lying down.
- Acid reflux — stomach acid or food coming back up into the throat or mouth.
- Chest discomfort — pressure, burning, or pain that can sometimes be confused with heart-related pain.
- Difficulty swallowing — food may feel like it’s sticking in the chest or throat.
- Frequent belching — increased burping can accompany reflux.
- Feeling unusually full after eating — particularly after larger meals.
- Regurgitation — stomach contents may rise into the mouth.
- Chronic cough or throat irritation — reflux reaching the throat can sometimes trigger these symptoms.
- Hoarseness or a sore throat — particularly when symptoms are worse in the morning.
- Nausea or upper-abdominal discomfort — some people experience these alongside reflux.
⚠️ Don’t assume chest pain is a hernia
A hiatal hernia can cause chest discomfort, but heart attacks and other serious conditions can feel similar. New or severe chest pain, especially with shortness of breath, sweating, fainting, or pain spreading to the arm, back, neck, or jaw, requires emergency medical evaluation.
When to see a doctor
Seek medical advice if reflux or swallowing problems are persistent, worsening, or interfering with sleep or eating. Also get evaluated for vomiting blood, black stools, unexplained weight loss, persistent vomiting, or significant difficulty swallowing.
Treatment depends on the symptoms and may include lifestyle changes, medicines that reduce stomach acid, or—less commonly—surgery for complicated or severe cases.
