Can hiatus hernia cause acid reflux?

The diaphragm and a ring of muscle at the lower oesophagus help keep stomach contents in the stomach. With a hiatus hernia, part of the stomach moves through an opening in the diaphragm. This can affect that barrier and allow acid or food to move upward, causing heartburn, sour fluid in the mouth, chest discomfort, cough or a hoarse voice. Symptoms can also occur without a hernia. Read about [Acid Reflux](/conditions/acid-reflux/) and [Hiatus Hernia](/conditions/hiatus-hernia/).

Notice whether large meals, lying down soon after eating, alcohol, smoking or particular foods trigger symptoms. Smaller meals, remaining upright after eating and raising the head of the bed may help some people. A clinician can recommend an antacid or acid-reducing medicine when appropriate and can review persistent symptoms. Do not rely on repeated self-treatment if symptoms keep returning.

Seek emergency help for chest pain with breathlessness, sweating, faintness or pain spreading to the arm or jaw. Arrange prompt assessment for difficulty swallowing, food sticking, vomiting blood, black stools, unexplained weight loss or persistent vomiting. These features need evaluation rather than assuming reflux is the cause.

Ask whether your symptoms suggest reflux, a hiatus hernia or another condition, whether testing is needed, and which lifestyle measures or medicines fit your situation. Describe timing after meals, night symptoms, swallowing changes and any medicine you already use.