Thanks CalGal,
The link is a great picture showing the difference between the two, thank you. They have referred me to see a surgeon but not until after the PH study is done. She didn't say if the surgeon was a throat Dr. or GI. I just hope they get the ball rolling soon this coughing is driving me nuts. My chest feels like I've been hit by a freight train.
THis link is a little technical, but it shows pics of the difference between a hiatal hernia and a paraesophageal hernia: http://www.nature.com/gimo/contents/pt1/fig_tab/gimo48_F7.html
Paraesophageal hernia can grow, and they're more problematic than a hiatal hernia in general. One of the reasons you may be having issues with coughing is the 'tight seal' of the thoracic cavity is compromised with a paraesophageal hernia. It means the pressure within that side of the chest isn't being maintained properly. In many cases a GI doc wouldn't be the one to do the surgery on this form of hernia, although I could be incorrect on that. From what I know correcting a paraesophageal hernia is something that is handled by a thoracic surgeon, but please check with your doc on that portion of your question.