“Can you see a hiatal hernia on x-ray?”

If the hiatus hernia is "large"...yes...but not if it is small...it can be seen better by CT scan or Upper GI series...

The short answer is “sometimes.” With hiatal hernias, the bigger they are (or if they have some air in them), they are easier to see on X-ray. They also are often better seen on a lateral view of the chest. If a hiatal hernia is suspected either clinically or on imaging, an upper GI fluoroscopic exam (where the patient drinks dye and has pictures of the esophagus and stomach taken in real time) is often able to confirm the diagnosis.
Hope that is helpful!

Hiatal hernia is best seen after contrast is placed in the stomach usually by swallowing and patient is evaluated sometime while bearing down. However, an air-filled wide structure above the diaphragm can occasionally be seen on plain film suggesting a hiatal hernia. Speaking to your primary care physician may aid.

Harris l. Cohen, MD