Which specialist treats hiatus hernia?

A hiatus hernia occurs when part of the stomach moves through the opening in the diaphragm used by the oesophagus. It may contribute to acid reflux, heartburn, indigestion, burping, or pressure after meals, although some people have no symptoms. A gastroenterologist considers your symptom pattern, medicines, examination findings, and any test results before deciding whether further investigation is useful.

The hernia itself is not the only issue being assessed. Reflux can irritate the oesophagus, and symptoms such as difficulty swallowing can have causes that need separate evaluation.

Start with a GP consultation, especially if symptoms are new, frequent, or interfering with sleep and meals. Keep a short record of when symptoms occur, foods or drinks that seem to trigger them, and any medicine you have tried. Your GP may recommend lifestyle measures, prescribe or review acid reflux medication, and refer you to a gastroenterologist if symptoms persist, return after treatment, or need testing.

Seek urgent medical help for severe or persistent chest pain, vomiting blood, black stools, fainting, or sudden severe upper-abdominal pain. Arrange prompt review if food sticks when you swallow, swallowing becomes progressively difficult, you vomit repeatedly, or symptoms are accompanied by unexplained weight loss. These features need assessment because they can signal a complication or another condition, rather than simply a routine reflux flare.

Ask whether your symptoms fit hiatus hernia, acid reflux, or another problem; whether you need specialist testing; how long to try the recommended treatment; and which warning signs should change your plan. Tell the clinician about difficulty swallowing, regular indigestion, nighttime symptoms, and all medicines, including over-the-counter products.