Many people are surprised to learn they have a hiatal hernia. This common problem occurs when the stomach bulges into the chest. Hiatal hernias aren’t like hernias aren’t like hernias in your groin. Most hiatal hernias cause no symptoms and need no treatment. If you notice symptoms, usually you can control them easily.

What you may feel:

Most people with hiatal hernias have no symptoms. But if reflux (acid backup) occurs, you may notice the following:

• Heartburn or other chest discomfort
• Frequent burping
• Acid taste in the mouth
• Problems swallowing
• Nighttime choking, coughing, or wheezing

Discovering a Hiatal Hernia

Often a hiatal hernia is found during an exam or tests for another health problem. An evaluation for hiatal hernia is usually needed only if symptoms bother you. A health history or other problem.

Possible Tests

An upper GI barium X-ray can show whether there is a hiatal hernia. It can also show how severe a hiatal hernia is.

Endoscopy helps your doctor see if there is any irritation of the esophagus.

Esophageal manometry measures the pressure of the LES.

A 24-hour acid (pH) monitoring test measures the reflux coming into the esophagus.