Hiatal Hernia
Hiatal Hernias most often occur in people 50 years and over. If someone has a Hiatal Hernia it is very common for them to have Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) as well. A Hiatal Hernia is when a portion of the stomach gets pushed through a hole in the diaphragm. The hole is not usually there and the stomach stays where it is suppose to, however, since the diaphragm is a muscle, a portion can become weak and allow the stomach to push through it. When this happens the acid from the stomach can back up into the esophagus and cause symptoms of GERD, which can include: heartburn, difficulty swallowing, halitosis (bad breath), and/or a dry cough.
If you suspect you may have a Hiatal Hernia you should seek a healthcare practitioner that is familiar with the condition.