<s>[INST] Can a hiatal hernia push on the trachea and cause change in breathing? I have COPD and take all the MEDs and have had stress test, ct(2) scans,ekg, pulmonary test in the last month all ok. My shortness of breath has change in the last 3 months, on O2 at night. Some discomfort in the rt side of chest at times. [/INST] Hello dear, thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your situation and problem. Yes, hiatus hernia can cause breathing trouble, not directly but indirectly. Hiatus hernia actually cause uncontrolled HERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). And this HERD cause worsening of underlying COPD. So proper control of HERD is needed in your case. Since hiatus hernia needs surgery for complete relief, better to get done surgical correction of hiatus hernia. So surgical correction of hiatus hernia will give you great relief in COPD symptoms. </s>