Welcome to Gastrodoxs.com! Do you live in Houston and feel heartburn, chest pressure, or trouble swallowing? You’re not alone.
Many people ask, “What’s a hiatal hernia?” In this guide, we’ll explain it in plain language. You’ll learn what a hiatal hernia is, how it affects digestion, what causes it, and how to treat it. You’ll also hear from Dr. Bharat Pothuri, our local digestive health expert, and find helpful links from trusted sources like Mayo Clinic and the NIH.
A hiatal hernia happens when the upper part of your stomach pushes through the opening in your diaphragm (called the hiatus). Your diaphragm is a muscle that separates your chest and belly. The esophagus (food pipe) goes through the hiatus and connects to your stomach.
A sliding hiatal hernia occurs when both the stomach and the lower esophagus slide into the chest.
“In sliding hernias,” says Dr. Pothuri, “the spot where the esophagus meets the stomach moves above the diaphragm. This often causes reflux and heartburn.”
Knowing the signs early helps you get the right care.
“As we age, tissues can weaken,” explains Dr. Pothuri. “That makes it easier for the stomach to slide upward.”
A hiatal hernia changes how food and acid move through your body.
“When the stomach shifts,” says Dr. Pothuri, “it weakens the barrier that keeps acid where it belongs. That leads to irritation.”
Your doctor may suggest these tests to confirm a hiatal hernia:
These tests show the size and type of hernia and any damage caused by reflux.
“Most people feel better with simple changes,” says Dr. Pothuri. “We consider surgery only when other treatments don’t work.”
| Feature | Sliding Hiatal Hernia | Paraesophageal Hernia |
| Position | Stomach and esophagus slide up | Stomach rolls beside esophagus |
| How Common | Very common (90% of cases) | Less common (10%) |
| Symptoms | Heartburn, reflux | Chest pain, pressure, fullness |
| Risk of Complication | Low | Higher (may block blood flow) |
| Treatment | Medications, diet | Often needs surgery |
Daily habits can reduce your symptoms:
Houston’s weather and food can be tough for those with reflux. Here are local tips:
“Hiatal hernias are very common,” says Dr. Pothuri. “They often cause reflux or chest discomfort, but many people have mild cases. Early changes in diet and habits can really help. If your symptoms don’t go away, talk to a GI doctor. We have lots of ways to help.”
We hope this guide helped you understand what a hiatal hernia is, how it affects digestion, and what to do next. If you’re in Houston and need help with hiatal hernia symptoms, reach out to Dr. Bharat Pothuri and the team at Gastrodoxs. You don’t have to live with discomfort—relief is within reach.
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
Weakness in the diaphragm, aging, obesity, or heavy lifting.
Sliding hernias often cause acid reflux and heartburn. An endoscopy or barium swallow confirms the diagnosis.
Rarely. In children, it’s usually due to a congenital (birth) defect.
No. Most people begin with lifestyle changes and medication. Surgery is reserved for severe or persistent cases.
Yes. Ginger tea, aloe vera juice, and chewing gum can ease mild symptoms by reducing acid.
Yes. Ongoing reflux can damage the esophagus lining and make swallowing difficult.
Absolutely. Even modest weight loss can lower abdominal pressure and reduce symptoms.
The hernia itself won’t disappear, but symptoms can improve with treatment.
Avoid spicy, fatty, fried, or highly acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus.
For mild cases, an annual check-up is usually enough. More frequent visits may be needed for severe or post-surgical cases.
