A hiatal hernia happens when part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm into the chest area. Many people don’t even realize they have it, but when symptoms do show up, they’re usually related to digestion and acid reflux.
Here are 10 common signs and symptoms to know about:
- Heartburn
A burning feeling in the chest, especially after eating or when lying down. - Acid reflux
Stomach acid moving back into the throat or mouth, sometimes causing a sour taste. - Chest discomfort
Pressure or pain in the chest that can sometimes feel similar to heart-related pain. - Difficulty swallowing
Feeling like food is stuck or moves slowly down the throat. - Frequent burping or belching
Increased gas and pressure in the upper stomach. - Bloating
A full, tight feeling in the abdomen after eating small meals. - Nausea
Feeling sick to the stomach, especially after meals. - Shortness of breath (in some cases)
A large hernia can press on the diaphragm and make breathing feel slightly harder. - Regurgitation
Food or liquid coming back up into the throat or mouth. - Worsening symptoms when lying down or bending over
Gravity no longer helps keep stomach acid down, so symptoms often flare up.
Most small hiatal hernias don’t need surgery and are managed with lifestyle changes or medication if needed—but only a healthcare professional can confirm the cause of symptoms, since many overlap with other conditions like acid reflux disease.
If you want, I can also explain what causes it, or how doctors diagnose it in a simple way.
