Anemia is a less common symptom of a hiatal hernia (also known as a hiatus hernia). Current treatments for this complication include iron supplementation and proton pump inhibitors.

Surgical repair of a hiatal hernia is less common but may sometimes be required if symptoms are particularly severe and do not ease with other treatments. Typically, surgery is only necessary in fewer than 5% of people who have a hiatal hernia.

Hiatal hernias may sometimes cause iron deficiency anemia due to blood loss. This typically occurs when the hiatal hernia is large. The cause is thought to be due to blood leaking from small erosions in the hernia. Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia include general tiredness, weak feeling, dizziness, and pale skin.

Anemia treatment typically involves iron supplements and proton pump inhibitors. Surgery is a less common treatment.

However, some recent research suggests surgery can help treat iron deficiency anemia if it’s due to a large hiatal hernia. The study showed that almost 94% of patients with iron deficiency anemia due to a large hiatal hernia no longer had anemia 5 years following their surgery.

If you think you may have anemia due to a hiatal hernia, speak with your doctor so they can help determine the best way to treat your symptoms.