8 August 2023
The opening in your diaphragm is called your hiatus, and when the hiatus isn't functioning properly, you can develop a hiatal hernia. This is characterised by the stomach protruding up through the hiatus, which allows stomach acid to flow into the oesophagus. A hiatal hernia tends to cause persistent heartburn and scar tissue can form along the oesophagus, which can make swallowing painful. Some people with this condition will become deficient in certain nutrients and unintentionally lose weight if treatment isn't sought promptly.