A hiatal hernia is a piece of the stomach that gets caught in a hole between the diaphragm and the esophagus. According to the Mayo Clinic, people who smoke and are over age 50 are more likely to develop hiatal hernias than younger non-smokers. Most of the time, treatment of a hiatal hernia involves treating the symptoms, though very large hernias may need to be repaired through surgery.
Lack of Symptoms
Some people who have smaller hiatal hernias do not experience outward symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic. Unless testing is performed for another medical condition that shows a hiatal hernia, many people may never know they have one.
Heartburn
Heartburn and indigestion are symptoms of large hiatal hernias. Heartburn may feel worse when you lie down or during periods of physical exertion. Nausea from the the backup of stomach acid may sometimes accompany heartburn.
Chest Pain
Chest pain can sometimes be a symptom consistent with large hiatal hernias. The pain may become more intense if the hernia becomes strangulated, meaning that the blood supply to the herniated section of the stomach has been interrupted.
Dysphagia
Some people with hiatal hernias have a difficult time swallowing, a condition called dysphagia. Signs of a severe hernia may include having an obstruction in your esophagus.
