Final answer:
Hiatal hernia is a medical condition characterized by the protrusion of a part of the stomach into the chest cavity. Common signs and symptoms include nausea, lack of appetite, bloating, burping, and weight loss. Bleeding ulcers and stomach perforation may occur if left untreated.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hiatal hernia is a medical condition characterized by the protrusion of a part of the stomach into the chest cavity through an opening in the diaphragm called the hiatus. The signs and symptoms of hiatal hernia can vary from person to person, but some common ones include nausea, lack of appetite, bloating, burping, and weight loss. Bleeding ulcers may also occur in some cases, leading to dark stools. If left untreated, hiatal hernia can result in more severe complications such as deeper ulcers, involvement of additional tissues, and even stomach perforation, which is a very serious condition.