A hiatal hernia can cause significant amounts of pain in those affected. Some hiatal hernias are small and cause no symptoms at all, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, the large hiatal hernias can cause significant symptoms to the patient and may require surgery to repair. A hiatal hernia occurs when the esophagus pokes through the diaphragm. If some hiatal hernias aren't repaired, it can lead to esophageal cancer from the constant occurrence of gastroesophageal reflux.
Heartburn
Heartburn is discomfort felt around the heart and in the chest. Most people with hiatal hernia will have symptoms of heartburn often and severely. This heartburn generally becomes much worse when the person lays down or bends over. It is possible for a person to suffer heartburn more than twice a week when a hiatal hernia is the culprit. Medline Plus says that heartburn that cannot be controlled by antacids or other heartburn medication could be the result of hiatal hernia.
Belching
Patients who have a hiatal hernia will belch more often than normal. Because of the location of the hernia, this is one of the most common first symptoms that point doctors to the occurrence of a hiatal hernia. Because air is trapped in the stomach, it must escape through the mouth by way of belching. There could be significant discomfort in the stomach or chest before the belching relieves the pain.
Nausea and Vomiting
It is common for a patient who has a hiatal hernia to have frequent nausea. This is especially true after eating. Although it isn't a common occurrence, a patient could vomit blood because of a hiatal hernia. When the esophagus is constantly irritated by stomach acid, it can become extremely inflamed, irritated and can develop lesions. These lesions will bleed and have a hard time healing. This blood will drain down into the stomach, causing further irritation and nausea to induce vomiting. This vomit will burn the patient and can resemble coffee grounds. There will be a small amount of bright red blood, if any, in the vomit as well.
Chest Pain
The chest pain experienced with a hiatal hernia is different from the chest pain that accompanies heartburn. It is possible for the stomach to swell with a hiatal hernia and push up on the esophagus in the chest. There can also be stomach spasms or chest spasms present during this pain. It will come and go intermittently and come sometimes be extremely severe. NYU Medical Center states that while this is a common symptom of hiatal hernia, it is also a symptom of a heart attack. If chest pain occurs and takes the breath away or is accompanied by any other symptoms, immediate medical attention should be sought.
