Symptoms

Most small hiatal hernias cause no signs or symptoms. But larger hiatal hernias can cause:

• Heartburn
• Regurgitation of food or liquids into the mouth
• Backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus (acid reflux)
• Difficulty swallowing
• Chest or abdominal pain
• Feeling full soon after you eat
• Shortness of breath
• Vomiting of blood or passing of black stools, which may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding

When to see a doctor

See your doctor if you have any persistent signs or symptoms that worry you.