possible Hiatal Hernia..?

[puzzled19]

I recently started exercising again.  Two nights ago I began doing crunches and sit ups.  The next morning I developed a constant pain below my sternum/stomach area. (between where rib cages come together)  It feels tight, like someone is squeezing where my esophagus and stomach connects.  The pain is amplified when I sit really straight or sneeze/laugh.  I have also been belching more than normal.

Could this have caused a hiatal hernia?

note: I have pre-existing GERD problems that are under control. (off nexium)

[curmudgen]

i get a similar feeling just below my rib cage/above umbilicus...squeezing feeling.  Not related to exercise....  just happens.  This feeling  usually predicts or accompanies an episode of heart palpitations.   Did a course of prilosec/pepcid without much relief...scheduling an endoscopy before thanksgiving.... looking for evidence of  gerd/hernia?  otherwise stumped to as the cause of symptoms.

[jpek]

That could very well be a hiatal hernia.  Ask your Dr. to get you scoped.  The procedure lasts only 3 minutes, and you will know for sure. The fact that you had gerd is also a red flag for Hiatal hernias.  There are many suggestions for lifestyle changes if you google hiatal hernia.  I found sleeping with my bed elevated 4 inches made a difference.  Good luck.  PS If your doctor is hesitant push them hard.  You have the right to know if your have a hernia.Some Drs. seem to want to avoid the subject of hiatal hernias.