Why does hiatus hernia cause difficulty swallowing?

A hiatus hernia occurs when part of the stomach moves up through an opening in the diaphragm. This can weaken the barrier that normally limits backflow from the stomach. Acid and stomach contents may then irritate the oesophagus, the tube that carries food to the stomach.

Ongoing irritation can cause swelling or scarring, which may make food feel slow to pass. Difficulty Swallowing is a common presentation of Hiatus Hernia, although other conditions can also cause this symptom. A clinician should assess a new or persistent swallowing problem.

Book a medical appointment, especially if swallowing has changed recently. Explain whether the problem is with solids, liquids or both; whether food sticks; and whether reflux, coughing, pain or weight change is present. Those details help guide assessment.

Until you have advice, take small bites, chew thoroughly, eat slowly and remain upright after meals. Avoid forcing food down with large drinks. If reflux is troublesome, avoiding late meals and individual trigger foods may reduce irritation.

Seek urgent medical care if food becomes completely stuck, you cannot swallow saliva, you have trouble breathing, chest pain, vomiting blood or black stools. Contact a clinician promptly for progressive swallowing difficulty, repeated choking or coughing while eating, persistent vomiting, dehydration or unintentional weight loss.

Ask whether reflux or narrowing could be involved, whether you need an examination of the oesophagus, what dietary changes are appropriate, and what symptoms mean you should seek emergency help.