Hiatal hernias are characterized by parts of the stomach pushing through a hole in the diaphragm. The hiatus is a small opening in the diaphragm that allows the esophagus to attach to the stomach. However, in a case of hiatal hernia, the hiatus allows the upper part of the stomach to push through the diaphragm, reports the Cleveland Clinic. A hiatal hernia can cause a variety of side effects that can be used to diagnose the condition.
Heartburn
Hiatal hernias can cause heartburn, according to MayoClinic.com. Heartburn is described as a tight, burning discomfort located just beneath the sternum. Hernias can cause this effect by preventing the normal digestion of food in the stomach. Sometimes the food in the stomach will be forced into the upper part of the stomach, which may put pressure on the esophagus.
Difficulty Swallowing
Patients often experience difficulty swallowing, reports MedlinePlus, a National Institutes of Health website. When the hernia increases pressure in the stomach and esophagus, this can adversely affect the physiological mechanism of swallowing.
Chest Pain
Chest pain may be an effect of a hiatal hernia, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The chest pain is located just under the sternum and may radiate up to the shoulders. This may mimic the pain seen in cases of heart attack. Patients will need to be properly evaluated after each episode of chest pain.
Belching
Patents with hiatal hernias often complain about an increase in the frequency of their belching, according to MayoClinic.com. The belching is often accompanied by a sour, acidic taste in the back of the throat.
Strangulation of the Hernia
In some cases of hiatal hernia, the part of the stomach that has pushed through the diaphragm is cut off from its blood supply. This results in a strangulation of the hernia. Symptoms of this include nausea, vomiting and an absence of bowel movements, notes the Cleveland Clinic. Strangulation of the hiatal hernia is a medical emergency that requires medical attention. If the proper treatment is not given, the affected part of the stomach will die, and the patient will be at risk of death.
Iron Deficiency Anemia
Iron deficiency anemia can be a side effect of hiatal hernias, according to MedlinePlus. Larger hernias may result in bleeding, either from the esophagus or the stomach. The bleeding is usually not excessive or noticeable unless a blood test is performed. The test will reveal that the patient has a reduced amount of red blood cells and also has insufficient levels of iron.
