{"id":2455,"date":"2026-01-07T14:29:42","date_gmt":"2026-01-07T08:59:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dramitajain.com\/blog\/?p=2455"},"modified":"2026-01-07T14:30:35","modified_gmt":"2026-01-07T09:00:35","slug":"hiatal-hernia-acid-reflux-gerd-explained","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dramitajain.com\/blog\/2026\/01\/07\/hiatal-hernia-acid-reflux-gerd-explained\/","title":{"rendered":"Is a Hiatal Hernia the Real Cause of Your Acid Reflux?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Acid reflux is often brushed off as a lifestyle issue\u2014too much spicy food, late-night meals, or stress. While these triggers do play a role, many people continue to suffer despite making dietary and lifestyle changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This leads to an important question:\u00a0Is something structural going wrong inside the body?<\/em>\u00a0One frequently overlooked culprit is a hiatal hernia, a condition that can silently fuel persistent acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). <\/strong>Understanding the connection between the two can help you seek more effective, long-term relief, shares Dr Amita Jain,<\/strong> who is one of the most experienced general and laparoscopic surgeons in Delhi and India<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

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What Is a Hiatal Hernia?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A hiatal hernia occurs when a portion of the stomach pushes upward through the hiatus, a small opening in the diaphragm through which the oesophagus passes before connecting to the stomach. The diaphragm normally acts as a supportive muscle, helping the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) stay tight and prevent stomach acid from flowing backwards. When part of the stomach slips above this muscle, that natural barrier is weakened, says Dr Amita Jain, a leading hernia surgeon and specialist for hernia treatments in Delhi<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hiatal hernias are surprisingly common, especially in people over 50, and many individuals may have one without knowing it. However, when symptoms appear, acid reflux is often the most noticeable and troublesome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Types of Hiatal Hernia Explained<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Sliding Hiatal Hernia<\/strong> – This is the most common type. The junction where the oesophagus meets the stomach slides up into the chest, especially during swallowing or straining. Because the LES is displaced, it becomes less effective at keeping acid in the stomach, leading to frequent reflux symptoms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Paraesophageal (Rolling) Hiatal Hernia<\/strong> – Less common but more serious, this occurs when part of the stomach pushes up beside the oesophagus while the LES stays in place. Although reflux may or may not be present, this type can cause complications like reduced blood flow to the stomach and often requires surgical attention.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
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    How a Hiatal Hernia Triggers Acid Reflux?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    To understand the link, it helps to know how acid reflux develops. Normally, the LES opens to allow food into the stomach and then closes tightly. In a hiatal hernia, the stomach\u2019s abnormal position interferes with this mechanism in several ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n