What are the tests for hiatal hernia?

See your doctor: Your doctor can see you and review your symptoms such as heartburn, esophagitis, food reflux into the throat, feeling of food sticking when swallowing. Your doctor can determine if you need testing such as a simple chest x-ray. Sometimes a ct scan is used. Sometimes a referral to a gastroenterology specialist is considered for an endoscopy procedure.

Doctor evaluation: The best "tests" are an evaluation and answering questions of possible symptoms by your doctor, such as food reflux into the throat, heartburn, feeling of food sticking when swallowed. Simple chest x-ray can be done, sometimes a ct scan, and likely best is a referral to a gastroenterologist for possible endoscopy procedure.

UGI or EGD: The best way would be to perform an upper endoscopy or an upper GI series. A ct scan may pick it up if it's large enough but wouldn't be the first test of choice. 75% of hiatal hernias are asymptomatic, the other 25% may have symptoms such as reflux. These generally don't cause pain nor is there any type of bulge or mass appreciated by the patient as commonly believed.

Endoscopy etc: Best test is endoscopy, sometimes other tests like esophageal swallow study( Upper GI) study if one has GERD associated or difficulty swallowing then pH study to measure acid reflux and manometry to assess motor function of food pipe is also needed. Some patient need CT scan also to assess size or other organs.

The tests for Hiatal hernia include:: Xray of chest, Esophageal manometry, Upper endoscopy.