Latest / What's the Root Cause? by Dr Vikki Petersen
Is GERD really a Hiatal Hernia?
Are GERD and Hiatal Hernia the same thing? Does on cause the other? Let's discuss.
First let's define our terms: A Hiatal Hernia is when part of your stomach moves upwards above your diaphragm.
GERD, or gastro-esophageal reflux disease, is when your stomach moves its contents, acid, up your esophagus.
When the stomach moves acid up into your esophagus you'll often feel burning, the classic acid reflux or heartburn. Can you have reflux without a Hiatal Hernia - yes and no.
You can have very rare reflux which occurs from overeating or eating a large meal and lying down, as an example. If this…
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