Most hiatal hernias do not cause symptoms. However, people with hiatal hernias that result in reflux (the flow of stomach acid back into the esophagus) may experience the following:

• Heartburn
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Chest pain
• Vomiting

In most cases, symptoms are mild and pass quickly. A physician should be contacted if symptoms are severe or persistent.

In rare cases, a paraesophageal hiatal hernia (in which a portion of the stomach protrudes above the diaphragm, but lies beside the esophagus) may get trapped by the diaphragm and lose blood supply. If this occurs, it results in a serious and painful condition called strangulation. A physician should be contacted if this condition is suspected because it requires immediate surgery.