Most of the time, a hernia does not cause Symptoms but when it does they include:
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Heartburn
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Belching
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Nausea
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Vomiting
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Regurgitation or backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus
More severe Symptoms are usually associated with a paraesophageal hernia. Those signs and Symptoms include:
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Intermittent difficulty swallowing, especially solid foods
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Feeling full after eating only a small amount of food
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Abdominal or chest pain
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Difficulty breathing after meals or increased shortness of breath
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Voice changes
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Abdominal bleeding, the signs of which can be: Bright red blood in vomit
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Dark red or black stools
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Anemia
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Blood test showing there is blood loss
Patients with paraesophageal hernias may have a significant portion of their stomach or other abdominal organs push up into their chest. In severe cases, the stomach or abdominal organs may rotate or twist, causing severe pain. This is a medical emergency and will likely require immediate surgery.