Symptoms of Hiatal hernia
Symptoms of Hiatal hernia: Introduction
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 »
Symptoms of 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:
Hiatal hernia: Symptom Checkers
Review the available symptom checkers for these symptoms of Hiatal hernia:
Hiatal hernia: Symptom Assessment Questionnaires
Review the available Assessment Questionnaires for the symptoms of Hiatal hernia:
Hiatal hernia: Complications
Review medical complications possibly associated with Hiatal hernia:
Diagnostic testing of medical conditions related to Hiatal hernia:
Research More About Hiatal hernia
Do I have Hiatal hernia?
Hiatal hernia: Undiagnosed Conditions
Diseases that may be commonly undiagnosed in related medical areas:
Home Diagnostic Testing
Home medical tests related to Hiatal hernia:
- Food Allergies & Intolerances: Home Testing:
- Digestive-Related Home Testing:
- more home tests...»
Wrongly Diagnosed with 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:
See the full list of 3
Hiatal hernia: Research Doctors & Specialists
Research all specialists including ratings, affiliations, and sanctions.
More about symptoms of Hiatal hernia:
More information about symptoms of Hiatal hernia and related conditions:
Other Possible Causes of these Symptoms
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.
Article Excerpts About Symptoms of Hiatal hernia:
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)
Hiatal hernia as a Cause of Symptoms or Medical Conditions
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)
Medical articles and books on symptoms:
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
About signs and symptoms of Hiatal hernia:
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.