Chest Pain
A hiatal hernia may cause chest pain or epigastric pain. Chest pain is a burning sensation at the upper part of the abdomen or below the breastbone and may also deliver pain or discomfort around the rib area. This sensation usually occurs after eating and may last more than five minutes.
A hiatal hernia triggers pressure around the stomach. It squeezes and twists the stomach leading to the retention of stomach acid. This stomach acid and other gastrointestinal contents flow back into the esophagus, which in turn causes chest pain or epigastric pain. Since the esophagus is not protected against stomach acid, it may be irritated, which may cause chest pain. Some organs cannot handle acids well, so a frequent backflow of acids may damage bones, muscles, and tissues. It can also lead to irritation and inflammation.
