What is a hiatal hernia?
In a person with a hiatal hernia, part of the stomach slides through the opening in the diaphragm and enters the chest cavity. Hiatal hernia may be caused by a birth defect in the diaphragm, or weakness of the muscles in the diaphragm that occurs with age. About 4 out of 10 Americans over the age of 50 have a hiatal hernia.

What are the symptoms of a hiatal hernia?
Most people with a hiatal hernia do not have symptoms. Symptoms of hiatal hernia may include belching, heartburn, indigestion, lower chest pain, and upper abdominal pain.

How does the doctor treat a hiatal hernia?
Treatment for hiatal hernia may include antacids, acid blockers, and proton pump inhibitors. Those with severe symptoms of hiatal hernia may be candidates for surgery.