Hiatal Hernia Symptoms: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

A hiatus hernia, often referred to as a hiatal hernia, is a protrusion from the stomach through the hiatus, which is the opening of the diaphragm. It will usually jut into the cavity of the chest. When this happens, a number of mild to severe symptoms will accompany the condition, depending on the size of the hernia.

Nausea

• Most people who experience a hiatus hernia suffer from some level of nausea. This is due to the protrusion affecting the stomach's functioning.

Heartburn

• Many hernia sufferers also complain of heartburn. The presence of this hernia can actually bring food and stomach acids up into the esophagus, creating this symptom.

Pain

• Another common symptom of the hiatus hernia is pain, usually isolated to the chest.

Gas

• Since the hiatus hernia affects the person's digestive system, a sufferer may also experience gas---mostly belching, but flatulence isn't uncommon.

Cramping

• Some people suffer from some mild to moderate cramping with a hiatus hernia. This is more due to the effect on a person's digestion than the hernia itself. This symptom usually manifests soon after a meal.