What's the Difference Between Acid Reflux and Hiatus Hernia?

If they go to one doctor they might be told that they have acid reflux.
Having two diagnoses for the same complaint naturally raises some questions.
Hiatus hernia refers to an anatomic change (the presence of a hernia) while acid reflux refers to an abnormal change in the way things work (abnormal physiology).
The opening in the diaphragm that the esophagus goes through to enter the abdomen is known as the esophageal hiatus, hence the name hiatus hernia.


Acid reflux refers to acid from the stomach backing up (refluxing) into the esophagus.


So why are these two terms sometimes used interchangeably? Well, strictly speaking they probably shouldn't be.
This leads to reflux and the idea that they're closely associated flows from there.
On the other side of the coin, a hernia isn't the only cause of reflux.


I hope this helps you see why these two terms are often heard together and why their meaning is sometimes confused.


While I'm at it, I suppose I should also mention some other terms associated with acid reflux.
A more formal term is gastroesophageal reflux disease.
I'm sure there are some other terms out there, and I sure docs have some very fancy names that they use, but these are the most common ones that I know about.


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