A hiatal hernia happens when part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm, and while it might sound serious, many people don’t even realize they have one. For others, though, it can bring on frustrating symptoms like heartburn, acid reflux, chest discomfort, and trouble swallowing. Since these symptoms can easily be mistaken for other digestive issues, it’s not always obvious when a hiatal hernia is the culprit.
Some cases are mild and manageable with simple lifestyle changes, while others may require medical attention to prevent complications. So how do you know when to take action?
We’re here to help. In this blog, we’ll discuss the key symptoms of a hiatal hernia, when it’s time to see a doctor, and what treatment options are available. If you’ve been dealing with persistent discomfort, this guide will help you understand what’s happening and what to do next.
Common Symptoms of a Hiatal Hernia
A hiatal hernia can cause a range of symptoms, from mild discomfort to more serious digestive issues. While some people don’t experience any symptoms at all, others may deal with the following:
1. Heartburn
Heartburn happens when stomach acid moves up into the esophagus, causing a burning feeling in your chest. It’s a common sign of a hiatal hernia and can get worse when you lie down, eat spicy or greasy foods, or drink too much coffee or alcohol. An occasional episode isn’t a big problem, but if it happens often, it can cause more serious issues.
Too much acid can irritate the esophagus, leading to swelling, sores, or even long-term damage. The good news is that with the right treatment and small changes to your diet and habits, you can manage heartburn and keep your digestive system healthy.
2. Acid Reflux
Acid reflux kicks in when stomach acid moves back up into your esophagus, leaving a sour taste in your mouth and sometimes causing throat irritation or a nagging cough. It’s uncomfortable, frustrating, and can mess with your daily routine. If it happens too often, it can turn into GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), which may lead to long-term damage like inflammation or scarring of the esophagus.
Over time, this can make swallowing more difficult and even increase the risk of other complications. If you’re constantly reaching for antacids, avoiding certain foods, or waking up at night with that burning sensation, your hiatal hernia might be the culprit. Getting it checked out early can help you find relief and prevent bigger issues down the road.
3. Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia)
Dysphagia, or trouble swallowing, happens when it feels like food is getting stuck or just won’t go down right. A hiatal hernia can put pressure on the esophagus, making swallowing feel awkward or uncomfortable.
Sometimes, acid reflux can cause inflammation or scarring, which narrows the esophagus and makes it even harder to swallow. If you’re regularly washing down food with water or avoiding certain foods because of the struggle, it might be a good idea to get it checked out.
4. Chest Pain
Chest pain from a hiatal hernia can be tricky because it sometimes feels like heart pain. It can be sharp, burning, or just plain uncomfortable, and it usually flares up after eating or lying down.
The good news? It’s typically caused by acid reflux or pressure from the hernia itself, not your heart. The bad news? It’s easy to mistake for a heart attack, so if you ever have severe chest pain, spreading to your arms or jaw, or making it hard to breathe, get medical help ASAP.
5. Frequent Belching or Hiccups
If you’re burping more than usual or getting hiccups that won’t quit, your hiatal hernia could be behind it. Since your stomach isn’t sitting where it’s supposed to, it can trap extra air and mess with digestion, leading to frequent belching and annoying hiccups.
While an occasional burp isn’t a big deal, constant gas buildup could signal ongoing acid reflux or irritation. Cutting back on carbonated drinks and eating slower can help keep the burps at bay.
6. Regurgitation of Food
Regurgitation happens when food or stomach acid flows back into the throat or mouth without warning. Unlike vomiting, it doesn’t come with nausea or forceful retching, it just happens effortlessly. With a hiatal hernia, the lower esophageal sphincter (the muscle that normally keeps stomach contents down) weakens, making it easier for food and acid to move in the wrong direction.
Over time, frequent regurgitation can lead to a sore throat, chronic cough, bad breath, and even tooth enamel damage due to stomach acid exposure.
7. Shortness of Breath
Believe it or not, a hiatal hernia can mess with your breathing, especially if it’s larger. When part of your stomach pushes up against your diaphragm and lungs, it can make it harder to take deep breaths.
You might notice this more after eating a big meal or lying down, and if you already have asthma or other breathing issues, it can make things worse. If you’re constantly feeling out of breath for no clear reason, it’s worth mentioning to your doctor.
When You Should Seek Medical Attention
Some people have a hiatal hernia without any issues, but when symptoms worsen, it’s a sign that something needs attention. Mild heartburn or discomfort can often be managed with simple changes, but certain symptoms shouldn’t be ignored. Here’s when to seek medical help.
1. Severe Chest Pain
Chest pain can be confusing, sometimes it’s just acid reflux, and other times, it’s something more alarming. If you feel a sharp or burning pain in your chest after eating, lying down, or bending over, your hiatal hernia could be the culprit. However, if your pain is severe, spreads to your arms, neck, or jaw, or is paired with dizziness and sweating, don’t ignore it. These could be signs of a heart attack, and it’s better to get checked out ASAP than to take a risk.
2. Persistent Vomiting or Difficulty Swallowing
If you are struggling to swallow or feeling like food is getting stuck in your throat? Then that is a red flag for you. Your hiatal hernia might be pressing on your esophagus, making it harder for food and liquids to pass through. In some cases, this can lead to choking or frequent vomiting. If eating has become a struggle, or if you’re throwing up regularly, it’s time to see a doctor before things get worse.
3. Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Seeing blood in your vomit or noticing black, tarry stools? That’s not normal. Internal bleeding can happen when stomach acid irritates the lining of your esophagus or stomach, leading to ulcers. It might not be painful at first, but it’s a serious issue that needs medical attention. If you notice these signs, don’t wait, get checked out immediately.
4. Unexplained Weight Loss
Losing weight without even trying might sound nice in theory, but if it’s happening because you’re struggling to eat, it’s a problem. A hiatal hernia can make swallowing uncomfortable, cause nausea, or reduce your appetite, all of which can lead to unintentional weight loss. If you’ve noticed the number on the scale dropping and you don’t know why, it’s worth having a doctor take a look.
Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs of Hiatal Hernias
Not all hiatal hernias cause problems, but when symptoms start affecting your daily life, it’s important to take action. Ignoring persistent discomfort can lead to complications that may require more serious intervention down the line. Seeking medical advice early ensures you get the right treatment and can manage your condition effectively.
If you’re experiencing ongoing digestive issues or discomfort, you should consult a Gastroenterologist in Centurion for expert care and guidance to keep your digestive health in check. An expert can help you understand your condition, recommend the right treatment options, and provide guidance on lifestyle changes to ease your symptoms.