Heartburn/GERD Health Center
Understanding Hiatal Hernia -- Symptoms
What Are the Symptoms of a Hiatal Hernia?
The majority of people who have hiatal hernias don't even realize it. Those who do know typically find out when visiting a doctor because of chronic heartburn. Symptoms may include the following:
- Heartburn; regurgitation
- Difficulty swallowing
- Chest pain radiating from below the breastbone (the sternum)
- A bloated feeling after eating
- Shortness of breath
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Call Your Doctor About a Hiatal Hernia If:
- Radiating chest pain is not relieved by taking an antacid. You may have angina (the chest pain associated with heart disease), or you may be having a heart attack. Get medical care immediately.
- You are being treated for heartburn or hiatal hernia, and you feel sudden chest or stomach pain, have difficulty swallowing, are vomiting, or are unable to have a bowel movement or pass gas. You may have a hernia that has become obstructed or strangulated, which are emergencies. Seek medical help without delay.
- Your hiatal hernia is accompanied by chronic heartburn. Stomach acid is repeatedly burning your esophagus, which can lead to esophagitis (an inflamed and ulcerated esophagus), esophageal bleeding or scarring, or cancer. See a doctor soon.
WebMD Medical Reference
Reviewed by
Venkat Mohan, MD on November 02, 2010
© 2011 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
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