Can a hiatal hernia cause constant chest pain?

A hiatal hernia can also put undue pressure on your stomach, by squeezing or twisting it. This pressure can make your stomach retain acid, which can then flow up into your esophagus. You could develop chest pain, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and/or heartburn, and have trouble swallowing or even breathing.

How do you stop a hiatal hernia from hurting your chest?

Making a few lifestyle changes may help control the symptoms and signs caused by a hiatal hernia. Try to: Eat several smaller meals throughout the day rather than a few large meals. Avoid foods that trigger heartburn, such as fatty or fried foods, tomato sauce, alcohol, chocolate, mint, garlic, onion, and caffeine.

What does a hiatal hernia flare up feel like?

A: Hiatal hernia symptoms include nausea, burping, acid reflux, and burning or pain in the esophagus or stomach. These symptoms can mimic other health issues like heartburn or heart attack.

Where is chest pain from hiatal hernia?

Pain: At times, a hiatal hernia causes chest pain or upper abdominal pain when the stomach becomes trapped above the diaphragm through the narrow esophageal hiatus. Rarely, in a fixed hiatal hernia the blood supply is cut off to the trapped portion of the stomach, which causes extreme pain and serious illness.

Why is my hernia so painful?

Pain, localized to the area of the hernia defect itself is usually the result of stretching and tearing of the abdominal wall tissue such as the area muscle and tendon. As the bulge increases, this pain tends to be more intense.

Can a hiatal hernia really kill you?

Yes, but it’s rare. Hiatal hernia is more likely the older you get ; can exist without symptoms.Hiatal hernia can have symptoms associated with reflux –hearburn, chest pain, difficulty swallowing .Long history of reflux can result in changes in the esophagus leading to bleeding, scarring, or cancer .Rarely,…

How serious is hiatal hernia?

Serious complications of hiatal hernia can be serious and include strangulated hiatal hernia. Hiatal hernia accompanied by GERD can also lead to complications, such as the development of esophageal ulcers, scarring of the esophagus, Barrett’s esophagus, and increased risk of developing esophageal cancer.

How does one get a hiatal hernia?

A hiatal hernia occurs when weakened muscle tissue allows your stomach to bulge up through your diaphragm. It’s not always clear why this happens. But a hiatal hernia might be caused by: Age-related changes in your diaphragm. Injury to the area, for example, after trauma or certain types of surgery.

What does a hiatal hernia feel like?

Many people can not feel their hernias from the outside of their body. If your hiatal hernia becomes strangulated, you may feel pain and tenderness in the upper abdominal and/or chest area. Listen to your body.