What is a Hiatal Hernia?

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A hiatal hernia is a  condition where the top of your stomach bulges through the diaphragm  into the chest cavity through a small opening called the hiatus. This can cause many symptoms like heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and chest or abdominal pain. It is often caused by a weakening of the diaphragm, age, and obesity.  

A hiatal hernia is diagnosed by an Upper endoscopy.   Your doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube equipped with a light and  camera (endoscope) down your throat, to examine the inside of your  esophagus and      stomach and check for inflammation.