Desease Information

A hernia in which an anatomical part (as the stomach) protrudes through the esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm. The symptoms of a hiatus hernia can mimic those of many other ailments. It can cause dull pain in the chest cavity, a shortness of breath, and heart palpitations. These symptoms are, however, rare as symptoms associated with a hiatus hernia are typically rare.  Symptoms of acid reflux, including reflux of gastric acid, air, or bile, can all happen more frequently with a hiatus hernia. Normally no treatment is needed, but after examining the hernia with an endoscope a surgery such as fundoplication can correct the problem. It is often seen as a consequence of ongoing GERD.