Hiatal Hernia Woes

mbrune

So last year I was diagnosed with a Hiatal hernia, I'd been having symptoms for a while (constant throat clearing, phlegm, chest pain, etc) and finally got a scope done to figure out the issue. It wasn't a big one, and doctors told me to stay on ppi and hopefully be better. I was careful with diet for a long time and felt better. This past summer I amped up my riding, doing longer distances and longer times, and really had very little issue with the silent reflux symptoms. As I was stronger i decided to go more aggressive as well, and have been riding harder, with lower bars, for the duration of the fall. I've also been eating not great. Unfortunately my symptoms have been terrible lately. I have a constant cough (which I never had before) and it worsens after eating any food. I'm still taking the PPI, but definitely feel like I have a cold/sore throat most of the time. My question is, is it possible that I made the hernia worse by cycling more aggressively? I like the idea of going fast and hard, it keeps me on the bike and pushing, but not at the expense of my health. Should I look to set my bike up less aggressively? I'm just curious if others who suffer with a similar condition have found that they can still be aggressive, or if I should give up on the idea of continuing to grow faster and more aero in my cycling endeavors.

Thanks for any thoughts.