What does "Small hiatal hernia" mean in a report or doctor's letter? In our medical dictionary, you will find a patient-friendly explanation of the meaning of this medical term.
A small hiatal hernia refers to a condition where a tiny part of the stomach pushes up through a hole in the diaphragm, which is the muscle separating the chest from the abdomen. This hole is called a hiatus, hence the name of the condition. It's called "small" because the portion of the stomach that's pushing through is not very large. This condition can cause discomfort and issues like heartburn, but many people with a small hiatal hernia don't experience any symptoms.
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