A hiatus hernia or hiatal hernia is the protrusion (or herniation) of the upper part of the stomach into the thorax (chest) through a tear or weakness in the diaphragm. ...

A hiatus hernia or hiatal hernia is the protrusion (or herniation) of the upper part of the stomach into the thorax (chest) through a tear or weakness in the diaphragm.

The symptoms include acid reflux, and pain, similar to heartburn, in the chest and upper stomach.

In most patients, hiatus hernias cause no symptoms. Sometimes patients experience heartburn and regurgitation, when stomach acid refluxes back into the esophagus.