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Tests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staffA hiatal hernia is often discovered during a test or procedure to determine the cause of heartburn or chest or upper abdominal pain, such as:
- An X-ray of your upper digestive tract. During a barium X-ray, you drink a chalky liquid containing barium that coats your upper digestive tract. This provides a clear silhouette of your esophagus, stomach and the upper part of your small intestine (duodenum) on an X-ray.
- Using a scope to see inside your digestive tract. During an endoscopy exam, your doctor passes a thin, flexible tube equipped with a light and video camera (endoscope) down your throat and into your esophagus and stomach to check for inflammation.
References
- Brady M. Hiatal hernia. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2010. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/162991320-4/0/2088/0.html. Accessed Sept. 30, 2009.
- Jeyarajah R, et al. Abdominal hernias and gastric volvulus. In: Feldman M, et al. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Management. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/162991320-4/0/1389/0.html. Accessed Sept. 30, 2009.
- Keifer D. Gastroesophageal reflux disease. In: Rakel, D. Integrative Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/162991320-4/0/1494/0.html. Accessed Sept. 30, 2009.
- Kahrilas PJ. Hiatus hernia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 30, 2009.
- The word on GERD. American College of Gastroenterology. http://www.acg.gi.org/patient/gerd/word.asp. Accessed Sept. 30, 2009.
- Picco MF (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Fla. Oct. 6, 2009.
