What is a Hiatal Hernia?

A hiatal hernia is caused by the upper part of your stomach bulging up through your diaphragm, which is the large muscle that separates your abdomen and chest. Your diaphragm has a small opening called a hiatus, through which your esophagus passes before connecting to your stomach. In a hiatal hernia, the stomach pushes up through that opening and into your chest. 

Hiatal Hernia Symptoms

If only a small portion of your stomach pokes through, you may not even know you have a hiatal hernia. However, a large hiatal hernia can allow food and/or acid to back up into your esophagus, causing heartburn.

How to Treat a Hiatal Hernia?

Most people with a hiatal hernia don’t experience any signs or symptoms and won’t need treatment.  For others, they can lead to chronic heartburn and acid reflux.  If you’re experiencing these symptoms, seek treatment from a GI doctor in Reno.

The experienced team at Reno Endoscopy Center, including colonoscopy specialists Dr. Lynda Hoang and Dr. George Vagujhelyi, can provide a diagnosis and discuss treatment options to get you back to feeling your best. Schedule a medical appointment today to discuss your hiatal hernia and explore solutions.