Hiatal hernia is a weakening of the diaphragm that causes the stomach to move into the chest cavity. When the stomach moves into the chest cavity, it can cause pain and other symptoms that affect the stomach and esophagus. The signs and symptoms of a hiatal hernia should be reported to a medical care provider for evaluation and treatment.
Difficulty Swallowing
Hiatal hernia can cause acid reflux, which causes inflammation in the esophagus. Repeated bouts of esophageal inflammation can cause the esophagus to become scarred and narrow. This makes it difficult to swallow.
Abdominal Pressure
Because a hiatal hernia involves the stomach, abdominal pressure can be a symptom of the condition. In a fixed hiatal hernia, the upper part of the stomach protrudes into the chest. In a complicated hiatal hernia, the entire stomach moves into the chest cavity. The sliding hiatal hernia causes the herniated part of the stomach to slide in and out of the chest. These changes in the position of the stomach can create abdominal pressure.
Frequent Belching
Frequent belching is one of the major symptoms of hiatal hernia. This belching is caused by air escaping from the stomach into the esophagus. Someone with a hiatal hernia may experience discomfort that is relieved by belching.
Heartburn
According to the NYU Langone Medical Center, heartburn that occurs from one to four hours after eating can be a symptom of hiatal hernia. The heartburn is usually made worse by lying down or bending over.
Bitter or Acid Taste
When stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, it can create a bitter or acid taste in the mouth. Belching, vomiting and heartburn can make this taste even worse. Antacid tablets or prescription heartburn medications may reduce or alleviate the bitter or acid taste that occurs due to acid reflux.
Chest Pain
Hiatal hernia may be accompanied by pain high in the chest. This pain occurs due to the reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus, stomach spasm and stomach swelling. If chest pain occurs, seek immediate medical attention. While chest pain may be caused by hiatal hernia, it is also a major symptom of heart attack and other serious conditions.
Vomiting Blood
While it is uncommon, vomiting blood can be one of the signs of hiatal hernia. This happens because repeated bouts of acid reflux can cause injury to the esophagus. When the esophagus is injured, it may bleed. The blood may irritate the stomach, which causes vomiting. Blood in the vomit may look like coffee grounds mixed in with liquid and pieces of food.
