Health Tip: Triggers for Hiatal Hernia

A hiatal hernia occurs when a portion of the stomach protrudes into the chest through the diaphragm, often forcing stomach contents to back into the esophagus.

The Ohio State University Medical Center says factors that may trigger a hiatal hernia include:

• Coughing.
• Vomiting.
• Straining to have a bowel movement.
• Sudden physical exertion.
• Pregnancy.