Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD

The sliding hiatal hernia is the most common and accounts for 90% of cases. It is often secondary to abdominal pressure factors (pregnancy, obesity or wearing tight clothing).

Hiatal hernia turnover is less common (10%), and more serious. It is usually congenital or secondary to trauma.

Signs of a hiatal hernia, if they exist, are unique and easy to recognize.

This is a rise of gastric contents into the esophagus, usually occurring after meals, and worse during certain postures: leaning forward or lying position.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease causes inflammation of the esophageal mucosa (irritation of the acid content of the stomach) causing a burn called "heartburn."

Gastro-oesophageal reflux and heartburn are vital signs in the hiatal hernia. These signs disappear when the subject is standing or sitting.

Other signs may also appear as

Coughing, often at night, sometimes accompanied by pain in the throat.

Belching and regurgitation of food, which are frequent, especially when gastroesophageal reflux is permanent and extended. Regurgitation can be observed especially in the case of sliding hiatal hernia (default closure of the sphincter).

Difficulty swallowing, felt like a sensation of blockage during the descent of food from the mouth to the stomach. The patient then feels satisfied from the first bite. In this case, it is called dysphagia. Dysphagia is common in rolling hiatal hernia (hernia causing a hindrance to the growth of food).

But more often, the hiatal hernia is asymptomatic.