​Hiatal Hernia​​

A hiatal hernia develops when the upper part of your stomach bulges up through your diaphragm and into your chest cavity area. The diaphragm is a large muscle which is located between your chest and abdomen and assists in breathing. Your stomach is meant to lie below the diaphragm, however if you have hiatal hernia, a portion of your stomach pushes through the hiatus (opening where the oesophagus connects to the stomach) of the diaphragm muscle. ​

Most cases of hiatal hernia are not a cause of concern, and you may not even be aware that you have one unless your doctor discovers it during a check-up. However, in other cases a large hernia may cause food and acid to build up in your oesophagus, which can cause heartburn. 

Symptoms from a hiatal hernia can usually be treated and alleviated through self-help measures. Yet very large hiatal hernias may require a surgical procedure to treat it.​