hiatal hernia

noun

: protrusion of part of the stomach upward into the chest cavity through the passage in the diaphragm for the esophagus usually with movement of the opening of the esophagus into the stomach to a position above the diaphragm

called also hiatus hernia

Examples of hiatal hernia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Subsequent scans revealed that the kitten had fluid on her lungs and showed signs of a hiatal hernia, which is when part of the stomach bulges through the diaphragm. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025

His areas of specialization include hiatal hernia repair. —Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 12 Mar. 2025

Surgery is typically recommended when other treatments don't work or if the underlying cause of symptoms requires repair, as in a hiatal hernia. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 2 Nov. 2024

Some common causes include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), esophagitis, hiatal hernia, esophageal strictures, primary esophageal motility disorders (PEMDs), and esophageal perforations. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 29 July 2024

The reflux may be related to developing a hiatal hernia, which is when the stomach pushes up into the chest through a hole in the diaphragm. —Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 5 July 2024

However, Mount Sinai advises individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or a hiatal hernia to avoid peppermint tea. —Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2024

In contrast, a hiatal hernia may cause heartburn, indigestion, regurgitation, and upper abdominal or chest pains. —Amanda Gardner, Health, 29 Oct. 2023

How To Relieve Heartburn That Won't Go Away A Quick Review Heartburn may indicate health conditions like a hiatal hernia, GERD, or stomach ulcers. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 6 Aug. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1944, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

hiatal hernia

noun

variants also hiatus hernia

: herniation of an abdominal organ

specifically : protrusion of part of the stomach upward into the chest cavity through the passage in the diaphragm for the esophagus that is typically accompanied with movement of the opening of the esophagus into the stomach to a position above the diaphragm and that may be asymptomatic or be accompanied by symptoms typical of gastroesophageal reflux (such as heartburn, belching, or bloating).