What Causes GERD?
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
10. Hiatal Hernia
The hiatus is a hole in the diaphragm that allows the esophagus to pass through so it can connect to the stomach. In a small number of cases, the stomach can be forced through the hiatus, in what is known as a hiatal hernia. The condition is not usually serious and a lot of people will not even be aware that they have it.
In a hiatus hernia, the top part of the stomach can be forced through the hiatus. This can result in pressure being put on the esophageal sphincter, and this can cause digestive juices to be forced through.
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