On Average 15% of Americans suffer from a Hiatal Hernia. A Hiatal Hernia is a condition when part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm through a small opening called the hiatus. There are 3 stages of a hiatal hernia: small, moderate, and large. If the hiatal hernia is considered small you may not even know that you have it. However, if the hernia is considered large you could suffer from a range of gastrointestinal problems, including chronic acid reflux, heartburn, and even chest pain. Large hiatal hernias often cause excess belching, and in some cases nausea and vomiting.

Hiatal hernias are caused by the weakening of muscle tissue around the hiatus, whether from injury to that area, applying regular pressure to the surrounding muscles, or a natural muscular weakness. Particularly at risk for developing hiatal hernias are the obese, smokers and people over 50. If you feel you may have a hiatal hernia, give us a call today to set up an appointment!