digestive disorders
Hiatus Hernia
Symptoms of Hiatus Hernia
Most sliding hiatus hernias are very small, and most people with a sliding hiatus hernia have no symptoms. Symptoms that do occur are usually minor. They are usually related to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and include indigestion, typically when a person lies down after eating. However, less than 50% of people with hiatus hernia have gastroesophageal reflux disease. Leaning forward, straining, and lifting heavy objects make symptoms worse, as does pregnancy. A paraesophageal hiatus hernia typically causes no symptoms but may get trapped or pinched by the diaphragm and lose its blood supply. This serious and painful condition, called strangulation, requires immediate surgery. Symptoms may include chest pain, bloating, belching, and Difficulty Swallowing . Rarely, microscopic or massive bleeding from the lining of the hernia occurs with either type of hiatus hernia. 