Hiatus Hernia
Last Updated: July 3, 2026
Key Points
- Part of the stomach moves into the chest
- Common in people over 50, pregnant, or overweight
- Often causes no problems or symptoms
- Symptoms include heartburn and acid reflux
- Lifestyle changes and medication can manage symptoms
- Surgery is a last resort for severe cases
Overview
A hiatus hernia happens when a portion of your stomach slides up through an opening in your diaphragm, called the hiatus, into your chest cavity. This condition is very common, particularly in people over 50, pregnant individuals, or those who are overweight. Often, it causes no noticeable symptoms and doesn't require treatment. When symptoms like heartburn or acid reflux occur, they can often be managed with lifestyle adjustments, over-the-counter medications, or prescribed stronger drugs. These treatments aim to reduce discomfort and prevent complications. Surgery is typically considered only if other treatments fail to relieve severe symptoms that significantly impact daily life. This procedure usually involves keyhole surgery to reposition the stomach and tighten the opening in the diaphragm.
Signs and Symptoms
- Painful burning in chest (heartburn)
- Bringing up small amounts of food or bitter fluid (acid reflux)
- Bad breath
- Feeling bloated
- Feeling or being sick
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing
Things That Increase the Risk
- Being over 50 years old
- Pregnancy
- Being overweight
- Unclear exact causes
Diagnosis
- GP assessment of symptoms
- Tests if symptoms do not improve or worsen
- Specialist referral for further evaluation
Treatment & Management
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals
- Raising the head of your bed
- Losing weight if overweight
- Finding ways to relax
- Avoiding trigger foods or drinks
- Not eating 3-4 hours before bed
- Avoiding tight waist clothing
- Stopping smoking
- Reducing alcohol intake
- Over-the-counter antacids or alginates
- Stronger prescribed medicines
- Keyhole surgery (laparoscopy) in severe cases
Prevention
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid smoking
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Eat smaller, frequent meals
- Avoid eating close to bedtime
- Manage stress effectively
Available Treatments
Explore our range of treatment options for Hiatus Hernia:
Surgical Options
Learn about surgical procedures available for Hiatus Hernia:
Contents
Quick Info
Affects
Stomach and diaphragm
Prevalence
Common, especially over 50
Diagnosis
Symptom review, medical tests
Treatment
Lifestyle changes, medication, surgery
Medically Reviewed
Dr. Vijay Bhat
Orthopedic Surgeon · Apollo Hospitals, Chennai
Reviewed on July 3, 2026
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