Your diaphragm has a small hole called a hiatus. Your esophagus (the tube food travels through) passes through this hole to connect with the stomach. If you have a hiatal hernia, it means a portion of your stomach has pushed into your diaphragm through this opening. If the hernia is small, you may have no symptoms or problems at all. However, if it gets large enough you may need treatment. Be aware of the signs and symptoms of this condition.
Common Symptoms
Because the hernia blocks the tube that food normally travels through, it may cause gastrointestinal symptoms. The Mayo Clinic says the most common symptoms are belching, heartburn and nausea. These symptoms may worsen when bending forward, straining or lying down. In some cases, the hernia can slide in and out of place. If this occurs, you may only experience symptoms once in a while. In other cases, the herniation stays in place, causing chronic symptoms.
Other Symptoms
If the hernia also puts pressure on the chest, which is located above your diaphragm, you may develop chest pain. It may also interfere with your ability to swallow. You may feel like food gets stuck in your throat. A sore throat and hoarse voice may be other signs.
Additional Symptoms
According to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, having a hiatal hernia can contribute to the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. As the stomach protrudes into the diaphragm, it weakens your lower esophageal sphincter muscle. This muscle stops stomach acid from backing up or refluxing into the esophagus. GERD can be mild or cause severe heartburn that is chronic and disrupts your sleep. The stomach acid can eventually damage the esophagus if this condition is left untreated.
Severe Symptoms
In some cases, your hernia may become trapped inside the chest and part of it may die. The InteliHealth website says this condition is called a strangulated hiatal hernia. If this happens, you may experience sudden severe chest pain and difficulty swallowing. You should also be on the lookout for trouble breathing, especially if breathing is more difficult right after eating.
