What results from an upward protrusion of the stomach through the diaphragm?

A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach bulges through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. This typically happens at the point where the esophagus passes through the diaphragm, allowing the stomach to migrate upward. This condition can lead to various symptoms, including heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and chest pain. It is often associated with factors such as obesity, aging, and increased pressure within the abdominal cavity.

In this context, the other mentioned conditions do not relate to the protrusion of the stomach through the diaphragm. Diverticulitis involves inflammation or infection of diverticula in the colon, ileus refers to a lack of movement in the intestines leading to a blockage, and periodontal disease pertains to conditions affecting the tissues surrounding the teeth. Thus, the presence of an upward protrusion of the stomach through the diaphragm distinctly identifies hiatal hernia as the correct answer.