Is it possible for a paraesophagal hernia to be mistaken for a sliding one? can a paraesophagal hernia "pop" back in place?

Very easy mistake: These two hernia types are fairly easy to mistake by novices - and this is quite dangerous. The paraesophageal hernia, in which part of the stomach bulges next to the esophagus and up into the chest is the one that requires attention. Due to the negative pressure caused by the lungs sucking air into the chest, these do not "pop" back into place like abdominal hernias.

Yes, maybe : The two types of hernias are often confused, as are the seriousness of their association to symptoms such as anemia, chest pain, and problems eating to name a few. The stomach frequently twists and untwists in a paraesophageal hernia. This could cause the sensation of "popping" you feel. See a general or thoracic surgeon with experience in laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair for consultation.