Hiatal Hernia Facts and Statistics: What You Need to Know
Hiatal hernias occur when a portion of the upper stomach protrudes into the chest cavity. This diagnosis is common in older people and people with obesity in the United States. Some estimates state that over half of the people over age 60 have this condition to some degree.1 However, the results of studies vary widely.
Hiatal Hernia: Common and Life-Threatening Symptoms and What They Mean
For most people, a small hiatal hernia, also known as a stomach hernia, will not cause symptoms.With larger hernias, however, symptoms may include heartburn, belching, a weird taste in your mouth, or regurgitation. Typically, these are not serious, but in some cases, they can cause potentially life-threatening complications.
