A hiatal hernia refers to a condition where your stomach pushes up against your diaphragm (a thin layer of muscle separating your chest cavity from your stomach), according to the Mayo Clinic. When your stomach pushes through an opening in your diaphragm called the hiatus (opening where your food tube enters your stomach), this is a hiatal hernia. If you have a hiatal hernia, you should know about its complications.
Esophagitis
When you have a hiatal hernia, food and acid remain in your esophagus (tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach), according to the Mayo Clinic. This can lead to esophagitis (inflammation of your esophagus). Common symptoms of esophagitis include chest or stomach pain, difficulty swallowing, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. This can be serious when symptoms don't improve with over-the-counter antacids, have trouble breathing or have flu-like symptoms.
Strangulation of the Hernia
According to the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, your diaphragm can cause your herniated stomach to twist and get pinched. Your stomach will lose its blood supply and this results in such symptoms as bloating, trouble swallowing and intense chest pain.
Iron Deficiency Anemia
Because your stomach's blood supply can be compromised when you have a hiatal hernia, iron deficiency anemia can result. According to Medline Plus, iron deficiency anemia refers to a condition where your body lacks enough red blood cells due to loss of blood. Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia include fatigue, trouble breathing, pale skin and sore tongue.
