10 Causes of Sternum Pain
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
Cause #9: Hiatal Hernia
A hiatal hernia refers to the slipping out of the abdominal organs through the diaphragm into the thoracic cavity. It can lead to complications such as laryngopharyngeal reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Symptoms include chest pains, trouble swallowing, heartburn, and more. Risk factors of a hiatal hernia include advanced age, obesity, scoliosis, major trauma, and some surgery. Management includes elevating the head of the bed, adjusting eating habits, weight loss, and medications such as proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers. Hiatal hernia is also a possible cause of sternum pain.
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