HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Have Hiatus Hernia. Can I Go For A Roller Coaster Ride?

Posted on Tue, 10 Jul 2012

Question: I have a hiatal hernia. Is it a bad idea for me to ride a roller coaster? Would my stomach push into my chest cavity?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (2 hours later)

Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
Riding on a roller coaster as such does not push the stomach into the chest cavity but the associated anxiety and the movements may worsen the gastric acidity thus aggravating your symptoms of pain in the chest, nausea, etc.
Enjoying the roller coaster once in a while is not harmful but be sure to take adequate precautions like taking an antacid like Tums before the ride to neutralize the gastric acid already present in the stomach.
Hope this answers your query. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Rakhi Tayal.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (13 minutes later)

Thank you. I have never ridden a roller coaster, so this is my chance. I am 63, about 10 lbs overweight, and this is my second hiatal hernia--had the first one repaired, but I have a chronic cough, so it came back. Would any of these factors affect your answer? I just want to be sure not to cause any more damage. However, I would love to try the ride.
Thanks!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (57 minutes later)

Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
A chronic cough can worsen it but it must be under control now. The factors you have mentioned do predispose you to hiatal hernia but will not affect your first ride on the roller coaster. Enjoy yourself.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.

Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar