“Hiatal hernia?”

You need to see a specialist - gastroenterologist - and get an endoscopy (EGD) as soon as possible. Your symptoms do not sound like hiatal hernia. More likely cause is a narrowing of esophagus from something and the cause needs to be found as soon as possible to recommend proper treatment.

If food is getting stuck in the esophagus then you need an upper endoscopy (EGD) to remove the food and/or dilate a stricture that is causing the problem.

Hello, yes, there are great treatments available for hiatal hernia. The most commonly performed procedure, is hiatal hernia repair, with some type of fundoplication, to recreate the lower esophageal "sphincter". The most common is called a Nissen fundoplication. Other options include Linx, which is like a magnetic bracelet that goes around the top of the stomach and tightens the junction to prevent acid from refluxing. This is not effective in the setting of a large hiatal hernia, due to the size of the defect at the diaphragmatic hiatus. A series of tests, including endoscopy, X-ray with oral contrast, esophageal manometry, and pH study is often required to inform the best treatment pathway. Please let me know if you have further questions.

Laparoscopic Surgery. Acupuncture with Moxibustion. Start the MIND diet. Consult Obesity Medicine if BMI over 27. Start Rapid Transformational Therapy for root cause analysis psychotherapy.

Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) can be the result of several different processes. They can range from benign disease such as a hiatal hernia or achalasia or a more malignant process such as esophageal cancer. Evaluation can include imaging such as a CT scan or swallow study as well as an upper endoscopy (EGD). You should arrange for consultation with a gastroenterologist.