Symptoms of Hiatal Hernia
A hiatal hernia, medically referred to as a “hiatal hernia” (in English: Hiatal Hernia), occurs when a portion of the upper stomach pushes through an opening in the diaphragm (in English: Diaphragm). Symptoms associated with a hiatal hernia do not always manifest; however, when they do, they often resemble those of gastroesophageal reflux disease (in English: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), commonly abbreviated as GERD. Generally, the symptoms of hiatal hernia tend to be mild and are linked to activities that increase pressure on the diaphragm, such as lifting heavy objects, experiencing stress, bending forward, lying down after meals, and in some cases, pregnancy. Below is a detailed outline of the symptoms of hiatal hernia when they occur:
Common Symptoms
As previously mentioned, the symptoms of a hiatal hernia, when present, have similarities to those of gastroesophageal reflux disease. They arise due to a malfunction of the sphincter muscle that prevents stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. The occurrence of a hiatal hernia decreases the normal pressure exerted by the diaphragm muscle on the esophagus, thereby increasing the likelihood of acid reflux. This could lead to irritation and inflammation of the lower esophagus. Symptoms associated with acid reflux that may arise in conjunction with a hiatal hernia include:
- Heartburn, also known as acid indigestion, which presents as a burning pain that starts from the lower chest or upper abdomen and may radiate towards the neck; it is noted as the primary symptom related to acid reflux issues.
- Pain in the upper abdomen and chest.
- Bloating and belching.
- Feelings of nausea and discomfort.
- A sour taste in the mouth.
- A burning sensation when consuming hot beverages.
- A bitter taste in the throat.
- Shortness of breath.
- Regurgitation of food or liquids from the stomach into the mouth.
Less Common Symptoms
In addition to the common symptoms, a hiatal hernia may present some other less frequent symptoms. It is noteworthy that the emergence of these symptoms can complicate diagnosis, as they may mimic those of other medical conditions. These less common symptoms include:
- A persistent cough occurring during the night, potentially accompanied by wheezing; this can result from acid reflux irritating the trachea.
- Sore throat and hoarseness.
- Foul breath.
- Feeling of a lump or mass in the throat.
- Gum problems.
- Severe chest pain in some cases.
- Experiencing hiccups.
- Dental erosion.
- Sensation of impending fainting.
- Back pain, particularly if the hernia is significantly large.
- Choking incidents.
- Abdominal bleeding, which may be identified by the presence of blood in vomit, dark red or black stools, or anemia following a blood test.
When to Consult a Doctor
It is advisable to seek medical attention when experiencing the following symptoms:
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Worsening of indigestion symptoms or the emergence of new symptoms associated with it.
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing.
- Lack of improvement in symptoms and overall health condition.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Care
Immediate medical attention is warranted if experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Pressure or pain in the chest area, especially for individuals with heart disease or risk factors such as high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, or those over age 55, male, or with a family history of early heart attacks or angina before age 55.
- Fever and cough.
- Shortness of breath.
- Vomiting blood.
- Dark-colored stools.
- Heart palpitations.
- Feeling faint.
- Symptoms of a strangulated hernia, which may include:
- Inability to pass gas or have a bowel movement.
- Abdominal discomfort.
- Severe abdominal pain.
- Efforts to vomit.
- Pain in the back, neck, arms, jaw, or teeth.
Video on Hiatal Hernia
For further information, we recommend watching the following video featuring Dr. Nagham Al-Qura Ghouli, a specialist in general, breast, and laparoscopic surgery discussing hiatal hernias: