Hiatus Hernia (GERD) – Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Learn about hiatus hernia, its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

  Tue , June 09 2026 / 07:41 PM Updated At: 2026-06-09 19:44:08


By: Dr. Ahmed Abdel Salam Abdel Kader Ibrahim

🟢 Hiatus Hernia (GERD) – Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

The diaphragm is a muscle that separates the chest 🫁 from the abdomen 🍽️
The esophagus passes through it to connect to the stomach.

When this opening becomes weak or enlarged, a condition called hiatus hernia occurs ⚠️


🩺 Symptoms

🔥 Severe heartburn

🤢 Nausea

💨 Hiccups

💔 Chest pain

❗ Not all symptoms are required; one may be enough for medical consultation.


⚠️ Risk Factors

Weak diaphragm muscle

Increased abdominal pressure 🤰

Age over 50 👴

Obesity ⚖️

Smoking 🚬

Genetic or congenital factors


🔥 Heartburn & Hiatus Hernia

Heartburn is one of the most common symptoms and is more frequent in:

GERD patients

Elderly people

Smokers

Overweight individuals


⚠️ Complications

If untreated, it may lead to:

Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)

Esophageal ulcers 🧪

Long-term complications


👥 Who is at risk?

Elderly patients 👴

Smokers 🚬

Obese individuals ⚖️

Can affect anyone


🏥 When is surgery needed?

Surgery is considered when:

No response to medication 💊

Obstruction ❌

Severe ulcers

Bleeding or complications


🔬 Diagnosis

Clinical examination 🧑‍⚕️

Barium swallow X-ray 🩻

Gastroscopy 🔍


💊 Treatment

Antacids

Acid-reducing medications

Surgery in severe cases 🏥


🛡️ Prevention

Eat small meals 🍽️

Avoid spicy and fatty foods 🌶️

Do not lie down after eating ⛔

Stop smoking 🚬

Reduce stress


🏥 Surgery (Nissen Fundoplication)

The most common surgery:

Repositioning the stomach

Strengthening the valve between stomach and esophagus

Preventing acid reflux 🔒


📊 Success Rate

Up to 95% success rate 🎯
with significant improvement in quality of life 👍


👨‍⚕️ Dr. Ahmed Abdelsalam Abdelkader
Consultant General Surgeon, Endoscopy & Oncology – Armed Forces

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