09/02/2026
Persistent heartburn, reflux, chest discomfort, or trouble swallowing shouldn’t be something you just learn to live with. In some cases, these symptoms may be linked to a hiatus hernia or para-oesophageal hernia, where part of the stomach moves upward through the diaphragm into the chest.
Common signs can include:
• Ongoing or severe heartburn and reflux not fully controlled by medication
• Regurgitation when lying down or bending over
• Chest pressure or discomfort
• Difficulty swallowing
• Shortness of breath after meals
• Feeling full very quickly
• Iron deficiency from slow, chronic bleeding
While lifestyle measures and medication help some people, others — particularly those with larger or para-oesophageal hernias — may benefit from specialist assessment and minimally invasive surgical treatment for longer-term relief.
If symptoms are persistent or worsening, specialist evaluation is important to reduce the risk of complications and restore quality of life.