How to Diagnose a Hiatal Hernia

A hiatal hernia is caused by the esophageal hiatus being larger than normal. Due to this large opening, part of the stomach slips into the chest. This is common in people over 60 years of age. In most adults this is believed to have happened over the years although there are cases in which an infant is born with it. Follow these steps to diagnose a hiatal hernia.

Instructions

• 1

  Pay attention to how you feel after you eat. Pressure in the abdomen or abdominal discomfort after eating may be signs of a hiatal hernia.

• 2

  Watch for frequent regurgitation. This is a backflow of the contents of your stomach into your throat. This is caused by the stomach being pulled into your throat when you swallow.

• 3

  Check to see if swallowing becomes difficult. This is caused by the stomach being pulled up into the esophagus when you swallow.

• 4

  Notice if belching, gas and hiccups occur frequently. This often causes a bitter taste in the mouth. It may also result in vomiting.

• 5

  See if lying down or bending over shortly after eating results in heartburn. Heartburn can also occur without doing this, but it is not as painful.

• 6

  Be aware of any radiating pain just below the breastbone which can be a sign of a hiatal hernia. This is also caused by the pressure of the stomach being pulled up into the esophagus.

• 7

  Visit your doctor if any or all of this occur. She can perform a gastrointestinal x-ray to diagnose the exact cause of your symptoms.