When To Call A Professional

Call your doctor if you have persistent heartburn, difficulty swallowing or feel short of breath after a meal. Call your doctor immediately if you develop heartburn accompanied by nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness or an irregular heartbeat. These may be signs of a heart problem rather than of a hiatal hernia or other digestive disorder.

Prognosis

The outlook is excellent. Most people with hiatal hernias have few if any symptoms. More bothersome symptoms usually are controlled with medications.

Additional Info

National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse 2 Information Way Bethesda, MD 20892-3570 Toll-Free: (800) 891-5389 Phone: (301) 654-3810 Fax: (301) 907-8906 http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/digest/nddic.htm/

American College of Surgeons (ACS) Office of Public Information 633 North Saint Clair St. Chicago, IL 60611-3211 Phone: (312) 202-5000 Fax: (312) 202-5001 http://www.facs.org/