Hiatal hernias are closely associated with symptoms related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (e.g., heartburn, chest pain). GERD often occurs along with a hiatal hernia. A physician will obtain a medical history and perform a physical examination for GERD.

A physician may try to rule out more serious conditions that may be causing the symptoms. For example, patients experiencing chest pain could have heart disease, which require additional tests before it can be eliminated as a possible cause. Patients may also be referred to a physician who specializes in diseases and conditions of the gastrointestinal tract (gastroenterologist).

Some tests that may be performed include:

• Barium x-ray (upper GI series). Test that involves ingesting liquid barium and performing x-rays. Barium x-rays provide images of the esophagus, stomach and upper part of the small intestine and can help determine whether a hiatal hernia is present.
  
  
• Endoscopy. This is one of the most common tests used to evaluate the esophagus. A small tube with a light and camera (endoscope) is inserted into the esophagus, stomach and small intestine. It can help determine whether there is acid reflux or a hiatal hernia.