Can a hiatal hernia make it hard to eat?

Paraesophageal hernias may have more severe symptoms. These can include: Having trouble swallowing sometimes, most often with solid foods. Feeling full after eating only a small amount of food.

Can a hernia cause eating problems?

Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing): Hiatal hernias can cause obstruction and delay in emptying of the lower part of the esophagus and the stomach, resulting in dysphagia.

Can a hiatal hernia make you feel ill?

Symptoms. Hiatal hernias, especially Type I hernias, do not usually cause symptoms. They may, however, be associated with the following: burping, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and/or regurgitation into the esophagus. A paraesophageal hernia, or Type II, III, or IV hernia, may cause more severe symptoms.

How do you know when a hiatal hernia needs surgery?

Surgery is recommended for serious hiatal hernia cases That means you’re experiencing serious heartburn and acid reflux or have severe inflammation and narrowing of the esophagus due to your hernia. That can cause significant chest pain after eating or result in weight loss and bleeding.

When should you go to the ER for a hiatal hernia?

Get medical care immediately. You are being treated for heartburn or hiatal hernia, and you feel sudden chest or stomach pain, have difficulty swallowing, are vomiting, or are unable to have a bowel movement or pass gas; you may have a hernia that has become obstructed or strangulated, which are emergencies.

What is the best medicine for a hiatal hernia?

What is the best medicine for hiatal hernia? Antacids, used to reduce stomach acids, such as Maalox or Tums are available over-the-counter and are often used to treat initial symptoms of a hiatal hernia. Prilosec is a highly recommended prescription drug used to treat hiatal hernia.

What type of doctor operates on a hiatal hernia?

You’ll probably see a family doctor or general practitioner. If you’ve been diagnosed with a hiatal hernia and your problems persist after you make lifestyle changes and start medication, you might be referred to a doctor who specializes in digestive diseases (gastroenterologist).