United Kingdom
A 37-year-old female asked:
Gp has said i may have hiatus hernia. no plans to investigate. i definitely have reflux. is it okay to exercise as normal, including ab exercises and running? i am a healthy weight?
3 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Maria Ruedaanswered
Dermatology 29 years experience
Good that you’re not overweight bc excess weight worsens the problem. Swimming,jogging,fast walk,are good for you,but don’t lift weights.Yoga is good, not the inverted poses.Yoga breathing (diaphragmatic breathing)helps.Make it your routine.Sit,place one hand on the belly&one on the chest.Breath all the air in,Let the air go.You’ll feel that the hand on the belly moves away from the belly. Repeat.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Answered Mar 22, 2022
1 comment


Dr. Harold Fieldsanswered
Family Medicine 63 years experience
Yes, exercise is appropriate but I would exclude wt lifting as you may strain your abs and put pressure on your hernia. Good Luck
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Reviewed Mar 22, 2022

Dr. Birendra Tandananswered
Urology 36 years experience
It is great to do exercise and running and that will not make your reflux worse. Hiatal hernia without imaging is speculative at best. If you avoid too much spices, overeating and acid foods you should be fine.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Answered Mar 23, 2022
Last updated Mar 24, 2022
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