Hiatus hernia, also known as hiatal hernia, is a condition where a portion of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. It can cause symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and regurgitation of stomach acid. If you suspect you may have a hiatus hernia, it is important to seek medical evaluation for an accurate diagnosis. Diagnosing a hiatus hernia typically involves a combination of medical history assessment, physical examination, and diagnostic tests.
The first step in diagnosing a hiatus hernia is discussing your symptoms and medical history with a healthcare professional. They will ask you questions about the nature and frequency of your symptoms, any factors that worsen or alleviate them, and any previous medical conditions or surgeries you have had. Providing detailed information about your symptoms and medical history will help the healthcare professional in making an accurate diagnosis.
During a physical examination, the healthcare professional will perform a thorough evaluation of your abdomen and chest. They may palpate your abdomen to check for any abnormalities or tenderness. They will also listen to your chest using a stethoscope to assess for any abnormal sounds or murmurs. While a physical examination alone cannot definitively diagnose a hiatus hernia, it can provide valuable information and help guide further diagnostic testing.
If a hiatus hernia is suspected based on your medical history and physical examination, your healthcare professional may recommend further diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis. These tests may include:
Based on the results of these diagnostic tests, your healthcare professional will be able to confirm the presence of a hiatus hernia and determine the severity and appropriate treatment options. It is important to note that the diagnosis of a hiatus hernia should always be made by a qualified healthcare professional, and self-diagnosis should be avoided.