Hiatal Hernia

A hiatal hernia means part of the stomach moves above the diaphragm through the opening where the esophagus passes. It is often found incidentally and may or may not be related to symptoms such as reflux or chest discomfort.

Also seen as: stomach hernia, sliding hiatal hernia.

If you are trying to place this wording inside the bigger picture of your report, start with the radiology findings hub and then compare it with the related symptom and report phrase pages below.

This term becomes more or less important depending on its size, location, severity, associated symptoms, and whether it is new compared with earlier imaging. Radiologists usually expect the finding to be read alongside the rest of the report instead of in isolation.

Hiatal hernia is a common incidental finding, especially in adults and older patients.

• Widening of the diaphragmatic opening
• Age-related change
• Pressure-related factors
• Associated reflux disease in some patients

• The hernia is large or associated with obstruction-type symptoms
• There is severe reflux or swallowing difficulty
• The report suggests a paraesophageal hernia or complication

• Many small hiatal hernias need no specific imaging follow-up
• Doctors focus more on symptoms
• Large or complicated hernias may prompt specialist evaluation

A radiology finding name can sound more definite than it really is. Many findings describe an imaging pattern, not a final diagnosis, and many turn out to be less urgent once doctors match the wording with your symptoms, exam, and any earlier studies.

• Small hiatal hernia.

  See phrase explanation

• Moderate hiatal hernia noted incidentally.

  See phrase explanation

These educational symptom pages explain search-intent questions that often overlap with this finding.

Educational information only. Always consult your clinician for medical advice.

This page is educational only and should be used to understand report language, not to diagnose a condition or replace clinician review.