This is termed hiatal hernia. Hiatal hernia is believed to be caused by this weakening of the anchoring tissues of the gastroesophageal junction to the diaphragm, perhaps due to increased pressure within the abdomen such as sometimes results from obesity or trauma. While some people are born with a hernia, factors such as stress, heavy lifting, or the normal wear and tear of life can cause the opening to enlarge, allowing the stomach to protrude into the chest. This can cause the valve between the stomach and the esophagus to fail, causing severe heartburn. Even children may have the problem.
Some persons do inherit the tendency for heartburn.
Take our One Minute Health Quiz to see if you have many of the symptoms commonly found in persons with these medical problems. About How Physicians Are Diagnosing and Testing For Hiatal Hernia and GERD and the Latest Techniques Being Used to Treat This Health Problem . If you think you have hiatal hernia or GERD or you feel your medical condition is not being effectively treated, you'll want to see a doctor for a medical evaluation. This is really the only way to accurately diagnose your problem and evaluate other forms of possible treatment. Your evaluation will include having a physical exam, completing a medical history form or questionnaire, and talking with a doctor about the problem.