A hiatal hernia is a normal find for healthy people over the age of 50, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. A hiatal hernia can, however, contribute to acid reflux. Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, allows the powerful stomach acids to rise into the esophagus, which carries food from the mouth to the stomach. If left untreated, GERD caused by a hiatal hernia can cause serious damage to the lining of the esophagus which may require surgery.
No Symptoms
The presence of hiatal hernia does not usually cause any symptoms, according to MedlinePlus, unless acid begins to rise up, or reflux, into the esophagus. A hiatal hernia allows a portion the stomach to protrude upwards through the diaphragm. A large hernia may allow acid to more easily reflux and cause symptoms.
Heartburn
GERD can cause heartburn, which is a burning discomfort in the mid-chest between the breastbone and the navel. This condition is also known as acid indigestion. This heartburn may be worse when bending over or lying down. Medicines are available without a prescription to curb the symptoms of acid indigestion. Eating certain foods or drinks may increase heartburn symptoms.
Belching
The patient may experience increased belching, says MayoClinic.com. Nausea may also accompany belching. These symptoms are the body's mechanism for relieving pressure built up by stomach acids. Sometimes the belching is accompanied by a foul taste in the patient's mouth as gastric acids rise into the mouth. A dry cough may also be a symptom of reflux caused by hiatal hernia. This symptom can be relieved with antacids available at a pharmacy, or by drinking water to dilute the acids.
Chest Pain
Chest pain can accompany acid reflux disease. Inflammation of the esophagus may cause bleeding and the formation of ulcers, a condition known as esophagitis. Chest pain in the absence of other symptoms of acid reflux, along with no history of GERD, should be considered a serious medical situation.
Difficulty Swallowing
The delicate lining of the esophagus can be permanently damaged by prolonged and repeated exposure to stomach acids. Scars from chronic exposure to acid cause narrowing of the esophagus, which can make swallowing difficult. Difficulty swallowing is a serious condition and the patient should be closely monitored by a physician.
Onset and Positional Symptoms
Symptoms such as belching and heartburn that appear after eating spicy foods, and which are relieved by taking over-the-counter medications can likely be attributed to acid reflux disease. A hiatal hernia may allow more stomach acid to reflux if the patient is lying down, so determining if symptoms are positional can be helpful in diagnosing GERD.
