Hiatal Hernia

Patients may not have symptoms, and of those who do, the symptoms may vary depending on the type of hiatal hernia they have. Patients with sliding hiatal hernias usually have symptoms that are similar to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). This happens when acid produced in the stomach and food residue moves up into the oesophagus, causing symptoms like:

1. Burning sensation and discomfort in the lower chest region, commonly known as “heartburn”
2. Regurgitation of food residue into the mouth after eating
3. Recurrent burping
4. Chronic sore throat and cough
5. Bad taste or smell in the mouth
6. Difficulty swallowing

Patients with paraoesophageal hiatal hernias experience symptoms when the blood flow to the portion of stomach trapped in the chest is compromised or when the herniated stomach presses on other organs in the chest. These include:

1. Chest or upper abdominal pain
2. Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
3. Vomiting
4. Difficulty swallowing
5. Bleeding (e.g. black stools or vomiting of blood)