Hiatus hernia is a condition that arises when part of the abdomen bulges up into the chest through the diaphragm — the muscle that separates the abdomen and chest. The diaphragm has a small opening known as hiatus through which the esophagus passes before connecting to your stomach. In this condition, the belly pushes up through the hiatus into your chest.
In the case of a small hiatal hernia, the consequences aren’t severe and often go unnoticed. You may never know about it unless your doctor discovers it during a regular check-up or for another condition. However, a large hiatal hernia can lead to blockages in the esophagus, ultimately giving rise to heartburn. Home remedies or medications can usually help reduce these symptoms. In the case of extreme pain, a person might need to go through surgery.