# Can a hiatal hernia go away on its own? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/hal-yamken-leftq-alhjab-alhajz-an-yakhtfi-mn-tlaqay-nfsh Language: en Category: gastroenterology Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T08:09:52.075Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T08:09:52.075Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/hal-yamken-leftq-alhjab-alhajz-an-yakhtfi-mn-tlaqay-nfsh No, a hiatal hernia does not go away on its own. A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach pushes through an opening in the diaphragm, the thin muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen [\[3\]](). This condition requires medical management to control symptoms and prevent complications, and there is no evidence that it resolves spontaneously. A hiatal hernia is often discovered when individuals undergo tests for symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, or abdominal pain, which may be related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) that the hernia can cause [\[3\]](). If a hiatal hernia does not cause any symptoms or problems, it may not require treatment. However, if symptoms are present, there are multiple treatment options available. ## Initial Treatment Options If you are experiencing symptoms caused by a hiatal hernia, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes to help alleviate them. These changes include eating small meals, avoiding certain foods that may increase acidity, quitting smoking and alcohol consumption, and losing weight if you are obese [\[3\]](). A doctor may also prescribe antacids or other medications to help control acid reflux. ## Diagnosis and Tests To diagnose a hiatal hernia, your doctor may order certain tests. One such test is a [barium swallow exam (Arabic)](), also known as an esophagogram [\[1\]](). This test involves drinking a liquid containing barium, a substance that coats the internal organs and makes them more clearly visible on X-rays. This test can help detect problems in the upper digestive tract, including a hiatal hernia [\[1\]](). Another exam that may be performed is an upper GI endoscopy, where the doctor uses a flexible tube equipped with a camera (an endoscope) to see the lining of the upper digestive tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine [\[2\]](). An endoscopy can help identify the cause of unexplained symptoms such as persistent pain, heartburn, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing, and diagnose conditions like a hiatal hernia or GERD [\[2\]](). ## Medical and Surgical Interventions If lifestyle changes and medications are not sufficient to control symptoms, your doctor may recommend more invasive procedures. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the hiatal hernia [\[3\]](). The decision for surgery is based on the severity of the symptoms and their impact on the patient's quality of life, as well as the size of the hernia and any potential complications. ## When to Seek Emergency Care? Although a hiatal hernia is often managed with lifestyle changes and medications, there are some symptoms that require immediate medical attention. If you experience severe chest or abdominal pain that worsens, bloody or "coffee ground" vomit, increasing difficulty swallowing or worsening throat pain, black tarry stools, or fever, you should seek immediate medical attention [\[2\]](). These symptoms may indicate serious complications that require urgent intervention. ## Medical references - [Hiatal Hernia]() - [Barium Swallow]() - [Upper GI Endoscopy]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/hal-yamken-leftq-alhjab-alhajz-an-yakhtfi-mn-tlaqay-nfsh#answer