Digestive Disorders Health Center
Hiatal Hernia - Topic Overview
Is this topic for you?
If you have been told that you have a hiatal hernia, this topic will give you some basic information about it. A hiatal hernia sometimes happens along with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). And the symptoms of a hiatal hernia are usually caused by GERD. For more information about the symptoms of GERD and how to treat it, see the topic Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
What is a hiatal hernia?
A hiatal hernia (say "hi-AY-tul HER-nee-uh") happens when part of your stomach bulges up through the diaphragm and into your chest. The diaphragm is a sheet of muscle that separates your belly (abdomen) from your chest.
The hernia bulges through the
diaphragm at a place called the hiatus. This is the opening in the diaphragm
that the esophagus 
passes through. The esophagus is the tube
that connects the throat to the stomach.
There are three main
types of hiatal hernia: sliding,
paraesophageal, and mixed. Most people who have a hiatal hernia have a sliding hiatal hernia. See a picture of a
sliding hiatal hernia .
What causes a hiatal hernia?
A hiatal hernia often is caused by weak muscles and tissue within and around the hiatus.
In a sliding hiatal hernia, a small part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm and into the chest. A valve between the esophagus and the stomach also moves up and away from the diaphragm.
What are the symptoms?
Most people who have a hiatal hernia have no symptoms.
One symptom you may have is heartburn, which is an uncomfortable feeling of burning, warmth, or pain behind the breastbone. It is common to have heartburn at night when you are trying to sleep.
If you often have symptoms or they are severe, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). A hiatal hernia can lead to GERD, and people often have both conditions at the same time.
If you have pain behind your breastbone, it is important to make sure it is not caused by a problem with your heart. The burning sensation caused by GERD usually occurs after you eat. Pain from the heart usually feels like pressure, heaviness, weight, tightness, squeezing, discomfort, or a dull ache. It occurs most often after you are active.
How is a hiatal hernia diagnosed?
A hiatal hernia often is diagnosed when you see your doctor or have tests for another health problem.
If you have symptoms, your doctor will ask you questions about them. If your symptoms happen often and are severe, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If this is the case, your doctor may do more tests or give you medicine for GERD.
How is it treated?
If you have no symptoms, you don't need treatment.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
