Symptoms of hiatal hernia can vary in nature and severity between individuals. Most people with hiatal hernia have no symptoms or complications. When symptoms do occur, they can range in severity from mild to severe.
When hiatal hernia is accompanied by GERD, the acidic stomach contents flow from the stomach up the esophagus toward the mouth. This results in typical symptoms that include indigestion (heartburn) or epigastric pain that is burning in nature. This burning sensation can run from the stomach up to the mouth, and there can be an acidic taste in the mouth. There may also be belching. Symptoms may also include nausea, difficulty swallowing and vomiting.
Another symptom of hiatal hernia is chest pain.
Complications of a type of hiatal hernia called a paraesophageal hernia can be serious and include strangulated hiatal hernia or obstructed hiatal hernia. These complications are medical emergencies. Symptoms can include nausea and vomiting or the inability to have a bowel movement or pass gas. When hiatal hernia is accompanied by GERD, the esophagus is exposed to the back flow of acidic stomach contents. This can damage the esophagus and lead to esophagitis, esophageal ulcers and bleeding from the esophagus. There may also be scarring of the esophagus that can result in the formation of strictures. Strictures are abnormal scar tissue that narrows the esophagus and can prevent food from reaching the stomach. Ongoing, untreated hiatal hernia accompanied by GERD can also lead serious changes in the lining of the lower esophagus. This is called Barrett's esophagus, which increases the risk of developing esophageal cancer....more about Hiatal hernia »
The list of signs and symptoms mentioned in various sources for Hiatal hernia includes the 8 symptoms listed below:
Research symptoms & diagnosis of Hiatal hernia:
Review the available symptom checkers for these symptoms of Hiatal hernia:
Review the available Assessment Questionnaires for the symptoms of Hiatal hernia:
Review medical complications possibly associated with Hiatal hernia:
Diagnostic testing of medical conditions related to Hiatal hernia:
Do I have Hiatal hernia?
Diseases that may be commonly undiagnosed in related medical areas:
Home medical tests related to Hiatal hernia:
The list of other diseases or medical conditions that may be on the differential diagnosis list of alternative diagnoses for Hiatal hernia includes:
Research all specialists including ratings, affiliations, and sanctions.
More information about symptoms of Hiatal hernia and related conditions:
Click on any of the symptoms below to see a full list of other causes including diseases, medical conditions, toxins, drug interactions, or drug side effect causes of that symptom.
Although most hiatal hernias cause no symptoms, some people experience heartburn. Heartburn is caused by gastric reflux, in which the acid from the stomach refluxes up into the esophagus, causing an irritating and burning sensation. People with reflux symptoms have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and may need drug therapy. (Source: excerpt from Hiatal Hernia: NIDDK)
When considering symptoms of Hiatal hernia, it is also important to consider Hiatal hernia as a possible cause of other medical conditions. The Disease Database lists the following medical conditions that Hiatal hernia may cause:
- (Source - Diseases Database)
These general reference articles may be of interest in relation to medical signs and symptoms of disease in general:
Full list of premium articles on symptoms and diagnosis
The symptom information on this page attempts to provide a list of some possible signs and symptoms of Hiatal hernia. This signs and symptoms information for Hiatal hernia has been gathered from various sources, may not be fully accurate, and may not be the full list of Hiatal hernia signs or Hiatal hernia symptoms. Furthermore, signs and symptoms of Hiatal hernia may vary on an individual basis for each patient. Only your doctor can provide adequate diagnosis of any signs or symptoms and whether they are indeed Hiatal hernia symptoms.
Tools & Services:
Medical Articles:
Search Specialists by State and City
By using this site you agree to our Terms of Use. Information provided on this site is for informational purposes only; it is not intended as a substitute for advice from your own medical team. The information on this site is not to be used for diagnosing or treating any health concerns you may have - please contact your physician or health care professional for all your medical needs. Please see our Terms of Use.
Copyright © 2011 Health Grades Inc. All rights reserved. Last Update: 7 May, 2013 (2:47)
