What is the typical symptom associated with hiatal hernias?

Hiatal hernias are often associated with heartburn, which is a common symptom resulting from the displacement of the stomach into the thoracic cavity. This anatomical shift can disrupt the normal functioning of the lower esophageal sphincter, leading to reflux of stomach acids into the esophagus, which in turn causes a burning sensation in the chest or throat—known as heartburn.

While abdominal pain can occur in some cases, it is not the defining symptom of hiatal hernias. Palpitations may happen due to various reasons including anxiety or the discomfort caused by the hernia itself, but they do not directly correlate with the condition. Constipation is generally unrelated to hiatal hernias and is more associated with gastrointestinal motility issues. This highlights why heartburn is the most typical and characteristic symptom associated with hiatal hernias.