What Does a Hiatal Hernia Attack Feel Like?

The hernia itself does not cause symptoms. However, in the case of hiatal hernia, the factors that normally prevent stomach acid from refluxing into the esophagus may not work so well. This puts the patient at risk for inflammation of the lower part of the esophagus. Watch the video as Dr. Vikki explains how this can cause other symptoms.
For appointments, call us at 727-335-0400

[@buidseach]

Anxiety and stress can make it worse too.

[@DrVikkiPetersen]

That's true!

[@LB-sw2km]

My son doesn’t have a hernia : at least in his last scope they didn’t see one. But he just went to the emergency room when he woke up just exactly what you described. I have a hiatal hernia and I’ve had these exact same symptoms. I’m so thankful I found this channel. 🙏 I’m in Ma . I wish you were closer .

[@DrVikkiPetersen]

You can book a health consultation with us at 727-335-0400 to get an in depth evaluation and discuss our telemedicine options!

[@ILoveMyselPH-D]

I will never be able to afford a doctor like this. I will die in pain and miserable. Sad outlook for being only 42.

[@jonboyer4058]

I feel your pain, I am 32 battle cancer for years. Kept telling ke it was anxiety. Turned out to be major cancer, I know I have an hiatal hernia too. I also work in healthcare. Finding a good doctor is hard, better luck getting struck by lightning

[@maggiebogdan8897]

There are a lot of yoga poses and exercises that help SO MUCH to keep your stomach down. Look up dr. Joe on KZbin she has a hiatal hernia video. It will keep the pain at bay.

[@Keviekev115]

Come To America. Get health insurance. Done

[@stevesmith1493]

Ok

[@adamfunk4519]

I hope you find some comfort,mine keeps me up and unable to eat,I can't play with my dog and miss a lot of work ..I definitely feel your pain it's a horrible thing to have ..bless you my friend

[@Preaching2all]

I THANK GOD, that there are Doctors like you who bring us useful information life this. For it just happened that I starting getting these symptoms (even though I been suffering off and on with gastrointestinal issues and heart palpitations for quit awhile know) that feels like I can breath and my heart is beating hard in my chest, along with a burning sensation running down the middle of my chest. Yes, my gastroenterologist suspects that I have a Hiatal Hernia (even though they haven't sent a scope down my throat quite yet to confirm it. I think it's an insurance thing because I was told that they can do it at the same time when I'm do for my colonoscopy. Which I think is another year from now)

[@Pollydoidle]

It can cause Atrial fibrillation too. I am totally convinced if that, if I lift something heavy and get over tired my heart rhythm goes al, over the p,ace the same as it dies if stomach acid is bad..

[@christineahearn4087]

I had my first attack when I was 17…I’m 54 now. When my symptoms start, it’s burning and it ends up feeling like what imagine a heart attack feels like. Its is sooo horribly painful, I lose my breath and can barely talk. The only thing that works for me is chewing up a handful of antacids and a glass of milk. My father had a hiatal hernia and that was his go to and it works like a charm.

[@Luison40]

What about omeprazole?

[@SmarterthanHarder]

Me when ibwas 14yrs old until now i am 28y old. no complication symptoms. i have gerd/reflux. the attack like cardiac but notm it last only 1-2 secondsm now i have anxiety because of it tsk tsk

[@HappyBabushka]

Something I'd definitly recomend for anyone struggling with this is getting checked for h pylori. I got this nasty bacteria from some fast food takeaway while at uni and I started getting hiatal hernia attacks regularlly and both times the fecal test failed. it wasn't until they took a sample while doing a endoscope that it was proven I had this. Since having those anti biotics in September 2021 my attacks have gotten less common and life has slowly began to return to normal. exercise and hot drinks have definitly helped this issue and I have found that acid inhibators only made this worse and I had to keep being given higher and higher doses until I cut them.

[@JoeBlow-ch4jy]

Was the H Pylori infection causing the hiatal hernia attacks? Once the H Pylori was under control, have your attacks stopped?

[@tolliver15]

I'm wondering if my acid reflux and attacks are because of bacteria/H pylori, as well. It started almost three months ago after a bout of food poisoning. Never any previous digestive/heartburn problems. I have an endoscopy scheduled in May, and I am going to ask if I will be tested for it.

[@ILoveMyselPH-D]

H. PYLORI. That's what happened to me. It went on for like 8 months months bc they did a shitty fecal test that came up negative and was only diagnosed when I got an endoscopy.

[@meetasugandh5377]

Thank you for the video. I now feel that okay these attacks are normal. These anxieties and all is what I feel and would think this is so abnormal.

[@SmarterthanHarder]

Me when i was 14yrs old first attack i thought heart. now i am 28yrs old still up to now ond and offm it last only 1-2seconds short attack only for 10+yrs more that. it shocked me. but no other symptoms. just the attack last only 1-2 seconds how to cure this forever. i got anxiety nowwww omg. NO OTHER SYMPTOMS JUST scared and anxious only. no associated.

[@teresasoto7479]

Literally all the symptoms I have It’s horrible the waking up in the middle of the night gasping and acid reflux all day and shortness of breath all day! They say it’s acid reflux.. do you talk with out of state patients ? I’m in the east coast

[@kelseysmith3392]

Has anyone ever experience restricted blood flow with this? I am trying to naturally resolve my hernia with exercise and weight loss. However I am having an odd symptom, generally (not always) when I lay on my back (even with pillow wedge) to go to sleep shortly after I fall asleep I wake up to my diaphragm area and sometimes arm or hand being numb. Went to the ER one night because it freaked me out, they confirmed hernia on X-ray but couldn't confirm the symptoms. Heart/lungs all looked good and I assume this issue is directly related since it only began happening when the hernia began really bothering me. Just curious as I don't see that particular symptom mentioned anywhere when researching! Really grateful for this channel as it has been tremendously helpful on this journey, I hope you're one day able to service MS as well!

[@shelleyfoley7074]

I have the same symptoms it’s a nightmare wish I had the money to get this treatment ❤️

[@DrVikkiPetersen]

I do see this in patients. It's not that unusual, although I do appreciate its scary when it happens. If you'd like assistance, consider reaching out for a consultation. We'd be delighted to help Call us at 727-335-0400.

[@kelseysmith3392]

@@DrVikkiPetersen do you guys work with folks in MS? If so that would be great!

[@shelleyfoley7074]

I have this happen to me can lay on my right side

[@diesel1377]

I agree with you, The only way they can find it is through a cat scan. This is very painful. I have notice that staying away from alcohol, energy drinks, and stress helps. Try portronics it works.

[@malachilewis5746]

I live in new zealand. Got diagnosed with hiatal hernia back in 2019. Was antacids, proton pump inhibitors which i was on for over 4 years until i discovered that it wasnt good for my health taking them for so long, and they didnt fix the problem, but actually made it worse. I discovered that diet was a major factor, so i began changing my diet, removing foods that aggravated and caused acid reflux symptoms. Tried eating smaller protions each meal, and not eating after 4pm. It was a game changer. Currently i am still dealing with symptoms like the ones mentioned, literally just woke up from an attack 1.5 hrs ago, severe burning in stomach, pressure built up, heart racing, etc. I was wondering what i may have done to set it off? I may have eaten too much (i had a late dinner 7:30pm). But i realised that at work i did some heavy lifting, and in the past this has caused me some grief. So im now realising it is not just what i eat and when or how much, its also what daily activities I've done, how intense it was, what the movements were, etc. Whats your thoughts on this?

[@landontd4260]

I've been to ER 3 times for mine. Thankfully the Dr always checked my heart and lungs. Then ruled it as my hernia. No surgery yet though. This is no way to live.

[@ymmygummy1190]

I think I have this. I've had heart burn pretty bad last year and now.i have trouble swallowing food. I'm at the point of not eating 90% of the time. I live off of water and what minimal food in a occasionally eat. I've lost 59 pounds since April 30th. I start seeing a specialist later this month.

[@ravenmm1]

Now i have new symptoms like when laying down my Hr is low but when standing i have HR higher. Been in and out of ER. I gave up. No one knows what it is. As i mentioned in the other video, having Hiatal Hernia, Mild Scoliosis, Gerd. Living with chest pain and throat and neck dryness. Difficult swallowing. Some says its Pots some says its just the hernia acting up. 😢

[@DrVikkiPetersen]

I know how miserable it can be. You shouldn't have to continue suffering. If you'd like assistance please consider contacting us for a consultation. We have a high success rate and would be delighted to help. Call us at 727-335-0400.

[@19mimi63]

Dealing with most of these symptoms. I have a scope scheduled in a week.

[@DrVikkiPetersen]

Let me know what you discover. Then we can discuss your best options.

[@Manny_1993]

I think I'm going through this as I type this. I don't think it's a heart attack as I am not having severe chest pain. I have small burps currently and think this maybe be a bad gerd attack

[@SmarterthanHarder]

Me chest pain 1-2 seconds. no other symptoms complicated/not risk factor. after 30mins i got attach intense

[@ladylex1406]

I feel like the upper part of my stomach is bulging. When I press on it, it feels as though it’s sticking out. Short of breath, heart racing after meals. Acid reflux, acid feels as though it’s just sitting in my throat. Panic attacks and anxiety. All of these things happening at once for no apparent reason. Normal life gone😢. Can’t move around a lot like I normally do, and full off of a couple of bites of food. Heaviness when I stand up, stuffy nose and post nasal drip. I’m thinking that this has been my issue all along and the doctor just kept telling me acid reflux that’s all. After going to the hospital one night for shortness of breath and panic attack the doctor put me on omprazole but never diagnosed me with anything but panic attack and acid reflux. I think he knew and just didn’t want to tell me, however he did say that he wanted to do a procedure on me but I was too young. Yet he never mentioned anything about a Hatial Hernia or told me why he thought I needed a procedure done. He just dismissed me. This is torture. This has took a toll on my everyday life and had I known sooner I would have requested treatment. Why withhold this kind of information from someone.

[@SicilysCloset]

I’ve been waking up with severe panic attacks at night and have developed bad acid reflux along with heart palpitations and I can feel when my stomach twitches . I’m almost certain I have a hiatal hernia.

[@DrVikkiPetersen]

It does sound like that may be the case. You shouldn't have to keep suffering. If you'd like to see if we can assist, consider contacting us for a consultation - call 727-335-0400. We'd be delighted to help and have a high success rate.

[@pinkoceanflower3045]

Can a Hiatal Hernia keep blood pressure high? I thought it was sleep apnea, but my doctor said that I don’t have it through testing. I also have diverticulosis. Not sure if they are connected.

[@DrVikkiPetersen]

Antacids can cause elevated blood pressure, so too can an imbalanced gut microbiome. Since both are often taking place with a hiatal hernia, my answer is yes.

[@scottvance7520]

If your hernia impinges on the vagus nerve, then it can definitely cause high blood pressure

[@pinkoceanflower3045]

@@scottvance7520 - Wow! I didn’t know that. Thank you for sharing this with me.

[@Dahmaduty]

Dr. Do you see patients virtually? We're in Southern California. I believe my adult son may have this. Please advise. Thank you

[@lydiahopwood6611]

Yes they do see patients virtually. They are now located in Clearwater, FL.

[@bettyvillegas8785]

I had a hiatel hurnia and eso motility prob those 2 together felt like I was going to die. Just got my hurnia repaired w/ fundoplication feel about 80 better . Expect no cure for motility prob 50% working. And that's sad 😢 but surviving wish I had more answers on the motility but I don't think their is a answer. Just wonder if undiagnosed hiatel hurnia caused my motility prob? . I must have had it for years till it destroyed my eso. Had lots of endoscopy but no one said I had a hurnia till finally found a gi who cared. I'm taking your number thank u for sharing.

[@trickshoter5348]

I've been throwing up yellow liquid (which tasted awful), and I noticed a bump above my right abdominal when flexing. Also, I randomly just woke up with this pain, even though i felt fine the night before. Don't know what is causing this.

[@isahiahstone341]

Might have to get your gallbladder checked

[@wordivore]

Can a hiatal hernia cause the pyloric valve to stay open or open at wrong times? I hear so much about the symptom of acid reflux and I know the bile can mix with stomach acid and go up the esophagus. But it's still a different valve that's involved. And I can't find anything that saying anything about hiatal hernia causing the pyloric valve to malfunction.

[@maiteroa5460]

I have a hiatal hernia and just started doing hormone therapy can this make it worse? I’m in menopause now. Thank you

[@scottdodds]

I am a strongman competitor. I lift pretty serious weights. Is that something incan continue to do with a hiatal hernia? Before and aftet surgery.

[@landontd4260]

I doubt it. If I lift my chlorine jug to treat my pool.. I'm dying for 2 weeks after. Lifting isn't recommended for any of us with one.

[@SuljoAllTheWayTRT]

I have hernia, is being tired all the time a symptom of it?

[@llamisgaspar]

Hi, doc, I been experiencing shortness of breath, food gargulation or fluid, blaoting , burpping I feel stock on my chest, I dont know what is it, I been experiencing also reflux but not acid, I think it LPR, I take much medication, but its no effects. So I stop it. Is this the hiatal hernia symptoms ?

[@DrVikkiPetersen]

It certainly sounds like it. We'd be delighted to help. Please consider contacting us for a consultation: call 727-335-0400. We have a high success rate.

[@travis-michaelcoleman1944]

Ihave some sort of fluttering specifically if i drink to much or eat too much.. Its like a spasm. Is that a symptom? Even after singing I have an issue at times.

[@suesmith2398]

Because the stomach is not in its proper place ANYTHING that you ingest causes problems.

[@elfchick2264]

It feels like acid reflux then it starts to become a heavy pain that moves up into your neck. You feel like you’re having a heart attack, you start sweating profusely and want to throw up. It lasts about 20 minutes or more. In the past I was able to stop it with ice cream but that’s a lousy idea. Lol

[@zandramoss51]

I have been diagnosed with having a hiatal hernia. Three times I have had this same symptom! The pain moved up my chest to my throat and then over to my right shoulder. And yes, it feels like a heart attack. Very scary😖

[@navyblue311]

Can hernia Hiatal cause burning/ acidity/pain in the tongue and inside cheeks? Both of my inside (salivary glands?) are swollen and burn like open flesh. I have all symptoms of HH but so far no one had mentioned those symptoms in the mouth. Could it be related? My GI suggested an endoscopy but it is incredibly expensive.

[@suesmith2398]

Save the money. For sure it’s the hernia. The acid is getting into your mouth.

[@crazydrummerofdoom]

Can it cause a deep muscle pains just below the nipple on the left side that is transient and with anxiety and palpitations and a popping noise that happens as well as ectopic heart beats,i have been diagnosed with a sliding hiatel hernia.please help

[@DrVikkiPetersen]

Yes it can. If you'd like to see if we can assist, consider contacting us for a consultation - call 727-335-0400. We'd be delighted to help and have a high success rate.

[@Abo_Oudai]

Can i know why Haital hernia can cause all of these symptoms? Especially numbness in the arm and leg

[@suesmith2398]

Because the stomach is not in its proper place. It affects nerves and muscles especially the vagus nerve, Hence all the myriad symptoms.

[@Abo_Oudai]

@@suesmith2398​​⁠Thanks a lot, you answered too many questions I have had! My family doctor said all these symptoms are not related to the sliding hiatus hernia 😩 and I don't know what to do with this hernia and my numbness and low blood pressure. I am not living normal life since of these started last December all started together

[@suesmith2398]

@@Abo_Oudai Your doctor is not very knowledgeable. The hernia aggravates the vagus nerve which runs from the head through the body. Anytime someone has a hernia and it's sliding around in there, it's out of allignment. For sure it's going to cause the vagus nerves to go haywire as the stomach itself is covered all over in the vagus nerve. You need to get your stomach back in its proper place. Then all the symptoms will go away. Do diaphragm breathing which makes room for the stomach to slip back down or go to a chiropractor to get them to get it down or get surgery. Mine is stuck and I want surgery but it's very hard to get a doctor to do it here in Canada. Good luck my friend.

[@Abo_Oudai]

@@suesmith2398 i am in Canada too 😥

[@suesmith2398]

@@Abo_Oudai I am looking into private surgery. I hope I can find someone. This is just awful.

[@patsbrady6386]

Can this be a cause of chest flutters?

[@DrVikkiPetersen]

Absolutely. If you'd like any assistance consider calling us for a consultation: 727-335-0400. We'd be delighted to help.

[@dropas4136]

Too much straining + too much food/ liquid..

[@DrVikkiPetersen]

ok

[@Lupo32]

You overexert yourself and pick up something heavy and don't breath right .... or you get in car accident And the seat belt that goes across you jerks you back .... These are great ways to get a hiatial hernia..... Also Being overweight Being +50 years old Being pregnant Or just born with a defective hiatus hole where your esophagus ends and stomach begins

[@giantclam1822]

I know when its coming cause about 24/36 hours prior ? When I turn, I feel what I can only describe as a 'baby kick'.....Im a guy