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Hiatal hernia

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Hernia - hiatal

Symptoms:

• Heartburn , worse when bending over or lying down
• Swallowing difficulty
• Chest pain
• Belching

A hiatal hernia by itself rarely causes symptoms -- pain and discomfort are usually due to the reflux of gastric acid, air, or bile. Reflux happens more easily in the presence of hiatal hernia, though a hiatal hernia is not the only cause of reflux..

Signs and tests:

• Barium swallow x-ray
• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy ( EGD )

• Review Date: 5/4/2006
• Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, M.D., Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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