Understanding the Difference Between Hiatal Hernia and Acid Reflux
Hiatal hernia vs acid reflux is a common question because the symptoms can feel very similar. Many have heartburn, chest pressure, burping, irritation in the throat or the feeling that food is not going down normally and think it is “just reflux.” But in some cases, a hiatal hernia may be the reason why those symptoms keep coming back.
Many of the patients coming to Godo Chiropractic in Chicago come out of frustration. They’ve changed their diet, taken reflux medication, avoided certain foods or slept upright, but the symptoms come back.
Knowing the difference between acid reflux, GERD, and a hiatal hernia helps you know what to do next.
This article explains how these conditions differ, how they might overlap, and when it might be time to get your symptoms evaluated.
Quick Summary: Hiatal Hernia vs Acid Reflux
Here is the simple version:
- Acid reflux happens when stomach acid or stomach contents move back up into the esophagus.
- GERD is when reflux becomes frequent, ongoing, or causes complications over time.
- A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes upward through the diaphragm.
- A hiatal hernia may contribute to reflux symptoms in some people.
- Not everyone with acid reflux has a hiatal hernia.
- Not everyone with a hiatal hernia has symptoms.
Because these symptoms can overlap, it is important to look at the full picture rather than assuming every reflux symptom has the same cause.
What Is Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux happens when stomach acid or stomach contents travel back up into the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach.
When reflux occurs, symptoms may include:
- Heartburn
- Burning in the chest
- Sour or bitter taste in the mouth
- Regurgitation
- Burping
- Throat irritation
- Coughing
- Symptoms that worsen after eating or lying down
Occasional reflux can happen to many people. However, if symptoms are frequent, persistent, or interfering with daily life, they should be evaluated.
For additional medical information about acid reflux and GERD, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases provides a helpful patient overview.
What Is a Hiatal Hernia?
A hiatal hernia occurs when a portion of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm. The diaphragm is a large muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen and plays an important role in breathing.
Normally the esophagus passes through a small opening in the diaphragm to connect with the stomach. The upper part of the stomach can slide up through that opening and might interfere with the area where the esophagus and stomach meet.
Some people with a hiatal hernia do not have symptoms. Others may experience symptoms such as:
- Acid reflux
- Heartburn
- Chest discomfort
- Upper abdominal pressure
- Difficulty swallowing
- Frequent burping
- Regurgitation
- Feeling full quickly after eating
- Chronic cough or throat clearing
For additional medical information about hiatal hernias, symptoms, diagnosis, and conventional treatment options, the Mayo Clinic provides an excellent overview.
How Are Hiatal Hernia and Acid Reflux Connected?
A hiatal hernia and acid reflux are not the same thing but they can be related.
Acid reflux is when stomach acid or contents flow backward into the esophagus. A hiatal hernia is a defect in which a portion of the stomach herniates superiorly through the diaphragm.
In some individuals, a hiatal hernia makes it easier for acid or stomach contents to move upward. As a result, reflux symptoms can become more frequent or more difficult to manage.
But that’s where a lot of people get confused. Having reflux doesn’t automatically mean you have a hiatal hernia and having a hiatal hernia doesn’t always mean it is the only reason for your symptoms.
That is why careful evaluation is important.
Symptoms That May Overlap
One reason people search for hiatal hernia vs acid reflux is because the symptoms can overlap.
Both may be associated with:
- Heartburn
- Chest burning
- Burping
- Regurgitation
- Throat irritation
- Chronic cough
- Hoarseness
- Trouble swallowing
- Symptoms after meals
- Symptoms when lying down
Because the symptoms can feel similar, patients often do not know whether they are dealing with reflux alone, GERD, a hiatal hernia, or another condition entirely.
In addition, chest discomfort, swallowing trouble, or breathing symptoms should always be taken seriously because they can have causes unrelated to the digestive system.
When Symptoms May Suggest More Than Simple Reflux
Many people assume reflux is only about heartburn. However, symptoms can sometimes be more complex.
You may want to seek evaluation if you notice:
- Reflux that keeps returning
- Heartburn that does not improve as expected
- Difficulty swallowing
- A sensation that food is getting stuck
- Chest pressure after eating
- Frequent throat clearing
- Hoarseness
- Persistent burping or regurgitation
- Symptoms that worsen when bending forward or lying down
- Upper abdominal pressure or fullness
These symptoms do not mean you automatically have a hiatal hernia. But they are signs your symptoms warrant further investigation.
Get medical help right away if you have any serious side effects, including: sudden, severe, or unexplained chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, vomiting blood, black stools, or severe trouble swallowing.
Can a Hiatal Hernia Cause Acid Reflux?
Yes, a hiatal hernia can contribute to acid reflux in some people.
When part of the stomach moves upward through the diaphragm, it may affect the mechanics around the lower esophagus and stomach. This may make reflux symptoms more likely or more noticeable.
Common reflux-related symptoms may include:
- Heartburn
- Acid taste in the mouth
- Regurgitation
- Burning in the chest
- Coughing after meals
- Worse symptoms when lying down
Still, reflux is not always caused by a hiatal hernia. Diet, body position, weight, medications, stress, eating habits, and other medical conditions may also play a role.
Can Acid Reflux Happen Without a Hiatal Hernia?
Yes. Acid reflux can happen without a hiatal hernia.
Some people experience reflux because of irritation, diet, eating too close to bedtime, pressure in the abdomen, medication side effects, delayed stomach emptying, or other digestive factors.
This is why it is not helpful to guess. If symptoms are frequent or not improving, it is better to understand what may be contributing to the problem.
Can a Chiropractor Help a Hiatal Hernia?
This is one of the most common questions patients ask.
Chiropractic care does not “cure” a hiatal hernia and is not a substitute for proper medical evaluation, testing, medication and/or surgery when indicated.
However, some patients seek chiropractic care because they are curious to know more about how posture, diaphragm mechanics, rib movement, breathing patterns, spinal mobility or muscle tension may be impacting how they feel.
At Godo Chiropractic we try to look at the whole person, not just the symptom. Dr. Jason Godo, D.C., R.N. will review your history, symptoms, posture, movement, breathing mechanics and musculoskeletal findings to determine if chiropractic care may be indicated.
If you are looking for a personalized evaluation, visit our Hiatal Hernia Treatment Chicago service page.
You may also find our related article helpful: Can a Chiropractor Help a Hiatal Hernia?
What I Look For During a Hiatal Hernia Evaluation
Every patient is different. That is why the evaluation should not be rushed.
During a hiatal hernia-related evaluation, Dr. Godo may look at:
- Your symptom history
- When symptoms started
- What makes symptoms better or worse
- Posture and spinal mechanics
- Rib cage movement
- Diaphragm function
- Breathing patterns
- Muscle tension
- Movement habits
- Whether referral for additional medical evaluation is appropriate
After the evaluation, the goal is to help you understand what may be contributing to your symptoms and what the next step may be.
If this is your first visit to a chiropractor, you may also want to read what to expect during your first chiropractic visit.
Why Patients Choose Godo Chiropractic for Hiatal Hernia Evaluations
Hiatal hernia evaluations have become one of the areas that many patients come to see Dr. Godo with.
Patients love that Dr. Jason Godo is a Doctor of Chiropractic and Registered Nurse. This combination provides a wider clinical view, especially in patients with symptoms that may overlap between digestive, musculoskeletal and general health problems.
Many of our patients come from Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Wrigleyville, Uptown, River North, North Center, Roscoe Village and other neighborhoods in Chicago seeking clear explanations and thorough evaluation.
The aim is not to ensure that all symptoms have one simple cause. The thought is to help you gain a better understanding of what may be contributing to your symptoms and if chiropractic care may be appropriate for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiatal Hernia and Acid Reflux
What is the difference between a hiatal hernia and acid reflux?
A hiatal hernia is a structural issue where part of the stomach moves upward through the diaphragm. Acid reflux is when stomach acid or stomach contents move back into the esophagus. They are different, but a hiatal hernia may contribute to reflux symptoms in some people.
Can a hiatal hernia cause acid reflux?
Yes. A hiatal hernia may contribute to acid reflux, heartburn, regurgitation, and throat irritation. However, reflux can also occur without a hiatal hernia.
Can acid reflux happen without a hiatal hernia?
Yes. Acid reflux can occur for many reasons, including diet, eating habits, body position, medications, abdominal pressure, and other digestive factors.
How do I know if my reflux is from a hiatal hernia?
You usually cannot know based on symptoms alone. A proper medical evaluation may be needed to determine whether a hiatal hernia is present and whether it is contributing to your symptoms.
Can a hiatal hernia cause trouble swallowing?
Yes. Some people with hiatal hernias report trouble swallowing or a sensation that food is getting stuck. If swallowing problems are severe or worsening, medical evaluation is important.
Can a hiatal hernia cause chest pressure?
Some people report chest pressure or discomfort with a hiatal hernia. However, chest pain can also have serious medical causes. Sudden, severe, or unexplained chest pain should be evaluated immediately.
Can chiropractic care cure a hiatal hernia?
No. Chiropractic care does not cure a hiatal hernia. Chiropractic evaluation may help identify musculoskeletal factors that may contribute to symptoms, but it does not replace appropriate medical care.
Can a chiropractor help with hiatal hernia symptoms?
Some patients seek chiropractic care to evaluate posture, diaphragm mechanics, rib movement, breathing patterns, spinal mobility, and muscle tension. Recommendations depend on your history and examination findings.
When should reflux symptoms be evaluated?
Reflux symptoms should be evaluated when they are frequent, worsening, interfering with daily life, associated with swallowing difficulty, or not improving as expected.
When should I seek urgent medical care?
Seek immediate medical attention for severe chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, vomiting blood, black stools, severe swallowing difficulty, or other emergency symptoms.
$29 New Patient Evaluation
If you have ongoing reflux, heartburn, chest pressure, swallowing difficulty, or symptoms that may be related to a hiatal hernia, a thorough evaluation may help you better understand what could be contributing to the problem.
Your $29 New Patient Evaluation includes:
- Consultation
- Health history review
- Posture assessment
- Movement evaluation
- Doctor examination
- Personalized recommendations
No pressure. No long-term commitment required.
Final Thought
Hiatal hernia vs acid reflux can be confusing because the symptoms often overlap.
Acid reflux is when stomach contents come back up into the esophagus. A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm. They are different but a hiatal hernia can contribute to reflux symptoms in some people.
If your symptoms keep coming back, don’t guess first. First thing is to understand what could be causing the problem.
Patients from Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Wrigleyville, Uptown, River North and surrounding Chicago neighborhoods visit Godo Chiropractic to get answers about hiatal hernia symptoms, acid reflux, heartburn and difficulty swallowing. Dr. Jason Godo, D.C., R.N. is here to evaluate you.
If you are ready to better understand what may be contributing to your symptoms, schedule your new patient evaluation today.
Dr. Jason Godo, D.C., R.N.
Godo Chiropractic
