How is Hiatus Hernia diagnosed?

How is Hiatus Hernia Diagnosed?

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.

Medical History Assessment

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.

Physical Examination

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.

Diagnostic Tests

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:

• Upper Endoscopy: Also known as esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), this procedure involves inserting a flexible tube with a camera (endoscope) through your mouth and into your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. It allows the healthcare professional to visualize the anatomy of your upper digestive tract and identify any abnormalities, including a hiatus hernia.


• Barium Swallow: This test involves drinking a liquid containing barium, a contrast material that helps highlight the structures of the digestive system. X-ray images are then taken as you swallow the barium. This allows the healthcare professional to observe the movement of the barium through your esophagus and stomach, and detect any abnormalities, including a hiatus hernia.


• Esophageal Manometry: This test measures the pressure and coordination of the muscles in your esophagus. It involves inserting a thin, flexible tube through your nose and into your esophagus. The tube contains sensors that detect the pressure exerted by the muscles as you swallow. Esophageal manometry can help evaluate the function of the esophagus and identify any abnormalities that may contribute to the development of a hiatus hernia.


• pH Monitoring: This test measures the amount of acid refluxing into your esophagus over a 24-hour period. It involves inserting a thin tube through your nose and into your esophagus, which is connected to a small device that records the pH levels. pH monitoring can help determine if acid reflux is present and if it is associated with a hiatus hernia.

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.