Can Anxiety Cause Reflux Symptoms?

Traditional heartburn treatments such as acid reducers and antacids may help manage your symptoms. For long-lasting relief, it's important to reduce your anxiety.

Research suggests that there is a link between anxiety and acid reflux (GERD). Stress levels can affect the digestive system, causing or worsen the symptoms of acid reflux.

Symptoms

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid leaks into the esophagus. Acid reflux can cause heartburn, as well as other symptoms. There are a myriad of causes of acid reflux, which include certain foods, such as spicy ones and caffeine; medications, such as NSAIDs; pregnancy or being overweight, and stress. Symptoms include a burning sensation in the throat, chest pain, a bad taste in the mouth and trouble swallowing.

Numerous studies have found that anxiety and acid reflux (GERD), the medical term used to describe gastroesophageal reflux disease, are connected. The two conditions have similar symptoms. For example, GERD and anxiety both cause chest pain, which could be mistaken as a heart attack.

One theory is that anxiety alters the brain's signals sent to the stomach. This can cause the lower-esophageal-sphincter to relax in an abnormal way. This allows stomach acid back into the throat. Additionally, anxiety can increase the production of stomach acid. In turn, those with high levels of anxiety may suffer more severe symptoms of GERD than people who are not anxious.

Stress could be a factor in the relationship between anxiety and GERD. When you're stressed out your body produces the hormone cortisol which can make you feel nauseous and have other digestive side effects. Cortisol can also cause your stomach to produce more acid. This can cause GERD symptoms and cause heartburn.

Anxiety and GERD can create a vicious cycle because both disorders have symptoms that overlap. This makes it difficult to differentiate between the two conditions and to treat them appropriately. Fortunately, there are a number of at-home and prescription treatments that can help manage both disorders.

The most important thing is to find out what triggers anxiety and GERD. If your anxiety is caused by stress at work, then you should try to reduce this stress. You can also try avoiding food items that can trigger GERD like the consumption of fried foods and beverages that are acidic. Consider seeking psychological treatment in order to find the root cause of your anxiety. This can be done by taking medication or talking to an counselor.

Causes

Although everyone experiences occasional heartburn but when it becomes a regular and ongoing issue it could indicate that you suffer from GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease. It's also normal for people with GERD to suffer from anxiety and both conditions typically coincide.

Symptoms of GERD include stomach acid or pepsin that backs up into the esophagus, which can cause pain and irritation. It is believed that this is due to a weakening of the lower esophageal sphincter which is the muscle that keeps food and liquid from entering the lungs when you swallow. This is due to a combination of factors, such as muscle tension due to anxiety and stress, which can cause the muscles of the area to tighten.

If you're stressed, it's believed that your intestines are producing more acid. This may be because the body's natural response to stress that triggers your digestive system. The extra acid can cause irritation to the esophagus and cause the sensation of burning.

Researchers have also discovered that the gut and the brain are linked. This is called the "gut-brain" axis and it's believed that your mood and your emotions can impact how your body functions and your gut bacteria. This is why it is essential to deal with any anxiety issues you might be suffering from.

The good news is that you can treat anxiety as well as acid reflux. It's possible to treat this in many ways, including by taking anti-acids, changing your diet, and working out regularly. It is essential to keep in mind that physical remedies won't fix the root cause of the issue. You'll also need to focus on your mental health.

Anti-anxiety therapy and medications are available to help with anxiety. These treatments will reduce anxiety symptoms of anxiety and increase your life quality. Join a support group to learn from other people who struggle with anxiety breathing symptoms and receive advice. You can also take part in online forums where those suffering from anxiety offer encouragement and support.

Treatment

There are a variety of ways to treat both anxiety and acid indigestion. If you're struggling with both, it is important to treat them simultaneously for long-lasting relief. You can also try the over-the-counter heartburn medication and avoid eating foods that trigger acid reflux. It is also recommended to incorporate stress-relieving methods into your routine such as yoga or meditation.

While it's not fully understood the reasons GERD and anxiety are linked, experts suspect that they share a common root. Anxiety disorders change the way your brain transmits signals to the rest of your body, and this can alter the functions of your stomach. Specifically, an anxiety disorder can cause the lower esophageal sphincter function in a way that is not optimally. This could lead to buildup of stomach acid, and it can then expand into your esophagus.

People suffering from GERD can also have heightened sensitivity of their esophagus. This is often aggravated by anxiety or other mental health issues. This makes it more difficult to identify when something is causing their heartburn, and it may be difficult to determine what symptoms of anxiety triggers their symptoms.

Treatments for both GERD and anxiety usually involve lifestyle changes, medication and therapy. Treatments such as proton pump inhibitors and antacids are able to help with acid reflux by blocking the release of gastric acid in your stomach. These medicines can be very effective, but they do not address the root cause of your problems. A therapist on the other hand, can teach you how to deal with anxiety and stress.

Anxiety disorders and GERD often are characterized by a negative cycle in which anxiety causes pain, and this pain is then a trigger for stress levels. This can create a vicious cycle where you suffer from both conditions. It's not necessary that you have to suffer from both. There are many treatments for acid reflux and anxiety which can improve your quality of life including cognitive symptoms of anxiety behavioral therapy, which concentrates on changing negative thought patterns as well as Interpersonal Therapy, which teaches you ways to improve your relationships in your daily life.

Prevention

Everyone gets heartburn sometimes however, if it occurs regularly, it may be an indication of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD can cause stomach acid to leak up into the esophagus or throat. This can cause a feeling of burning in your chest or throat and cause anxiety about the possibility of injury.

There are steps you can take to stop anxiety from contributing to heartburn and acid indigestion. Consult your doctor if you are taking anxiety medication about how they may affect the symptoms of reflux. Some anti-anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines could increase the risk of having reflux. They should not be used if you suffer from GERD.

Also, try to stay clear of drinks and foods that cause heartburn or worsen your symptoms. This includes spicy and fatty drinks, foods, and caffeine. Stress and anxiety may also increase your appetite. It is essential to eat an appropriate diet and get enough sleep.

Anxiety can cause you to overeat, which can lead to weight gain and other health issues. Excess weight puts more pressure on your abdomen which can also contribute to reflux. If you're worried about your digestion, talk to a doctor who can recommend healthy eating habits and possibly prescribe medication to ease your problem.

While prescription medications can ease heartburn, it's also good idea to find ways to reduce your stress levels. This could involve meditation, exercise, and relaxing.

Certain studies have revealed that people suffering from GERD suffer from greater levels of anxiety when compared to those who don't. Researchers suggest that this could be due to the way GERD can trigger anxiety.

It's also important to know that some over-the-counter acid reflux medications can aggravate your GERD symptoms So it's a great idea to consult your doctor before trying them again. They may recommend other medications, including analgesics, lansoprazole or Omeprazole. They can also provide tips on how to manage stress, which can help relieve your anxiety and GERD.