1.9K Reviews    |    4.7 Star Rating    |    20+ years of experience    |    72k+ Patients Treated

Hiatal Hernia

Discover expert hiatal hernia care in Houston with Dr. Rishi Chadha of GastroDoxs. From precise diagnosis and personalized treatment�including lifestyle guidance, medications, and minimally invasive procedures�we help you overcome heartburn, acid reflux, and chest discomfort for relief and better well-being.

Call Us 832-632-4070 Schedule Now Click Here Text Us 832-632-4070 Learn More Click Here
Texas Medical Board
Harris County Medical Society
American College of Gastroenterology
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Memorial hermann
Houston Methodist leading Medicine
HCA Houston Healthcare
Rishi Chadha

About the Expert

Dr. Rishi Chadha, MD is a board‑certified gastroenterologist who specializes in preventive gastroenterology, colorectal cancer screening, and minimally invasive endoscopic procedures. He completed his fellowship at Sunrise Health GME in Las Vegas and previously trained in internal medicine at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Connecticut.

What Is a Hiatal Hernia?

A hiatal hernia happens when the top part of your stomach moves up into your chest through the hiatus�an opening in your diaphragm. This displacement can cause heartburn, acid reflux, chest pain or discomfort. Many patients in Houston find relief with expert care from Dr. Rishi Chadha.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

  • Age over 50 years
  • Extra belly fat or obesity
  • Chronic coughing (from smoking or lung disease)
  • Frequent heavy lifting or straining
  • Family history of hernias

Signs and Symptoms

  • Heartburn or acid reflux
  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Burping or bloating
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Hiccups or chronic cough
  • Pain under the breastbone or between shoulder blades (in some women)

How Dr. Rishi Diagnoses Hiatal Hernia?

Dr. Rishi Chadha uses a simple, step-by-step approach:

1. Symptom Review and Health History

He listens to your symptoms�heartburn, chest pressure, swallowing issues�and reviews your medical history and risk factors.

2. Physical Examination

He examines your chest and abdomen to check for bulging or tenderness around the diaphragm.

3. Upper Endoscopy (EGD)

An endoscope is used to directly visualize the esophagus and upper stomach, identifying any sliding hernia or related inflammation.

4. Barium Swallow X-Ray

A contrast study may be ordered to confirm the presence and size of a hiatal hernia (ICD-10 code K44.9).

5. Esophageal pH Monitoring

When acid reflux is suspected, a small probe measures acid levels in your esophagus over 24 hours to gauge reflux severity.

Rishi Chadha
Treatment

Treatment Options at GastroDoxs

Lifestyle and Diet Tips

  • Eat small meals throughout the day
  • Avoid spicy, fatty, or acidic foods
  • Don�t lie down after eating
  • Lose weight if needed
  • Raise the head of your bed to ease reflux

Medications

  • Antacids: Ease heartburn fast
  • H2 blockers: Reduce stomach acid
  • PPIs (Proton Pump Inhibitors): Give longer-lasting relief

Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures

  • Laparoscopic fundoplication: Tightens the opening around the esophagus
  • Magnetic sphincter augmentation: A ring of magnets helps close the lower esophagus
  • Endoscopic repair: Used for small hernias
Rishi Chadha

About the Author

Dr. Rishi Chadha, MD is a board‑certified gastroenterologist who specializes in preventive gastroenterology, colorectal cancer screening, and minimally invasive endoscopic procedures. He completed his fellowship at Sunrise Health GME in Las Vegas and previously trained in internal medicine at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Connecticut.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes a hiatal hernia?

A weak muscle opening in the diaphragm, age, weight gain, chronic coughing, or straining can all lead to a hiatal hernia.

What is the ICD-10 code?

The ICD-10 code for a hiatal hernia is K44.9.

What are common symptoms?

Typical symptoms include heartburn, burping, chest pain or pressure, and trouble swallowing.

Can I have unusual symptoms?

Yes. Some patients experience hiccups, a chronic cough, or hoarseness due to acid irritation.

Where do women feel pain from a hiatal hernia?

Women often report pain under the breastbone or between the shoulder blades.

Do I need surgery?

Not always. Many patients find relief with lifestyle and dietary changes plus medications.

How long is recovery after surgery?

Most patients return to their normal activities within one to two weeks after minimally invasive repair.

What are the risks of surgery?

Surgical risks are low but may include infection, bleeding, or temporary swallowing difficulty.

Will insurance cover this?

Yes. Most Houston-area insurance plans cover diagnostic tests, medications, and surgical procedures for hiatal hernia.

When should I see Dr. Chadha?

Schedule a consultation if you have persistent heartburn, chest pressure, or any new reflux symptoms that don�t improve.

Related Blogs
Abdominal Pain

How an Upper Endoscopy Can Identify Your Digestive Discomfort

Read More
Abdominal Pain

Trouble Swallowing? It Could Be Dysphagia

Read More
Abdominal Pain

Understanding Gastrointestinal Intolerance

Read More