Large hiatal hernias may cause chronic gastrointestinal blood loss leading to iron deficiency anemia. The treatment may also provide relief for hiatal hernia patients suffering acute symptoms. Another complication of the practice is hiatal hernia. Risk factors include obesity, pregnancy, smoking, hiatal hernia, and taking certain medicines. In most cases however, a hiatal hernia does not cause any symptoms. A hiatal hernia is the protrusion of an organ through its wall or cavity. The following are potential causes of a hiatal hernia. There are two types of hiatal hernias. In July 2017, Carter discussed his health problems, namely a hiatal hernia and lactose intolerance. Later, he went through a hiatal hernia-removal surgery as he had difficulties breathing while eating. Sliding hernias are the most common type and account for 95% of all hiatal hernias. About 5% of hiatal hernias are paraesophageal.