First, let's define what a hiatal hernia is. A hiatal herniais when part of the stomach pushes itself past the diaphragm into the chest cavity. The diaphragm is the muscular border that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity.

For the most part, people who have hiatal hernias are not symptomatic. However, those that have symptoms will typically have symptoms of acid reflux such as: burning in the chest, heart burn symptoms, an acidic taste in the throat, a chronic cough, a raspy voice, a sore throat, trouble swallowing, stomach or chest discomfort.

Treatment options for hiatal hernia depend on the severity of symptoms. If you have symptoms once or twice weekly, you can simply take a Pepcid or Zantac as needed, or even Tums or Maalox as needed. However, if your symptoms are more frequent, your doctor may suggest a trial of a medication like Prilosec or Prevacid to take daily or twice daily for a one to two month trial.

In terms of diet or life style modification for treatment, only weight loss (if you're overweight) and elevation of the head of the bed improves acid reflux and hiatal hernial symptoms.

I also suggest selective elimination of dietary triggers such as fatty foods, caffeinated beverages, carbonated beverages, chocolate, spicy foods and alcohol, and quitting smoking.