About 50% of all people with hiatal hernias do not have any symptoms.

For the other approximate 50% of individuals with hiatal hernias who do have symptoms, the following may occur:

• Heartburn (which is worse when bending over or lying down shortly after eating)
• Regurgitation (backflow of stomach contents into the back of the throat
• Vomiting
• Gastric reflux (backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus)
• A sour or bitter taste in the mouth
• Frequent belching
• Frequent hiccups
• Chest pain radiating from below the breastbone (the sternum)
• Feeling of pressure in the chest
• A bloated feeling after eating
• Abdominal discomfort
• Abdominal pressure, especially soon after eating
• Discomfort or pain in the stomach
• Discomfort or pain in the esophagus
• Gas
• Unexplained coughing
• Difficulty swallowing

Next Question