The diaphragm separates the abdominal and chest cavities. The food pipe, or esophagus, passes through an opening in the diaphragm before connecting with the stomach. In some people, the opening for the esophagus is too large, allowing part of the stomach to slide from the abdomen into the chest. This condition, a hiatal hernia, also known as hiatus hernia, may cause symptoms that mirror those of gastroesophageal reflux.
Heartburn
Heartburn, a burning sensation beneath the breastbone, is a frequent symptom of hiatus hernia, reports Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Stomach acid irritation of the tissue lining the esophagus triggers this symptom, which usually occurs after eating or while lying down.
Food Regurgitation
Swallowed food may lodge in the esophagus when the upper portion of the stomach slides into the chest, explains the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Food may come back up the esophagus into the mouth. This regurgitation of food is distinct from vomiting in that it typically occurs without the rigorous heaving that occurs with vomiting. Food in the esophagus may provoke a sensation of something caught in the throat.
Sour Throat and Hoarseness
A hiatus hernia may lead to upward stomach acid flow into the esophagus and throat, causing a sour taste in the mouth. Belching often brings stomach acid to the throat. Acid-induced throat irritation may cause hoarseness and scratchiness, provoking repetitive throat clearing or persistent dry cough.
Swallowing Difficulty
Longstanding stomach acid reflux may provoke chronic inflammation of the esophagus, or esophagitis. The irritation can manifest as swallowing difficulty, which may be accompanied by intermittent pain. Intense tight pain the chest that occurs after swallowing may represent an esophageal spasm. Underlying ulcerations or scarring of the esophagus may be present in people with swallowing difficulties.
Nausea
Nausea after eating may be a symptom of hiatus hernia with gastroesophageal reflux, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Stomach fullness and abdominal pain may accompany this symptom. Vomiting may occur, especially in children with this disorder.
Persistent or Recurring Hiccups
Irritation of the esophagus due to gastroesophageal reflux may trigger frequent or persistent episodes of hiccups, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. While hiccups are not specific to gastroesophageal reflux or hiatus hernia, the presence of this symptom in conjunction with others may help guide the diagnosis.
Severe Chest Pain
Sudden severe chest pain accompanied by difficulty swallowing may signal strangulation, a serious complication of hiatus hernia in which the stomach becomes trapped in the diaphragm opening. Penn State College of Medicine's Milton S. Hershey Medical Center notes that strangulation may block blood supply to the stomach, which can lead to death of the stomach tissues. A strangulated hiatus hernia is a medical emergency.
References
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center: Hiatal Hernia
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center: Hiatal Hernia
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Heartburn, Symptoms
- Penn State College of Medicine Milton S. Hershey Medical Center: Hiatal Hernia
- MayoClinic.com: Hiatal Hernia
