Can Anxiety Cause Reflux Symptoms?

Traditional heartburn treatments such as acid reducers or antacids can aid in managing your symptoms. For lasting relief, it's important to lower your anxiety.

Research suggests there is a link between anxiety and acid reflux (GERD). Stress can affect your digestive system, which can cause or worsen acid reflux.

Symptoms

Acid reflux happens when stomach acid leaks into the esophagus. Acid reflux can trigger heartburn and other symptoms. Acid reflux can be caused by a variety of things, such as spicy foods or caffeine, medications such as NSAIDs, pregnancy, overweight, or stress. Symptoms of acid reflux include a burning sensation in the throat and chest pain. It could also be an unpleasant taste or bad smell in the mouth.

Numerous studies suggest that there is a connection between anxiety and gastroesophageal disease (GERD), which is the medical term for acid reflux. This is because the two conditions share similar symptoms. For instance, GERD can cause chest pain that is mistaken as a cardiac anxiety symptoms event.

One theory is that anxiety alters the brain's signals to the stomach. This could cause the lower esophageal and sphincter (LES) to relax in an abnormal way which allows stomach acid to leak into the esophagus. Moreover, anxiety can also increase the production of stomach acid. People with high levels of anxiety may experience more severe GERD symptoms than those who do not suffer from anxiety.

Stress can also play a role in the connection between anxiety and GERD. When you're stressed your body produces the hormone cortisol which can make you feel nauseous, and also have digestive adverse effects. Cortisol may also cause your stomach to produce more acid. This can worsen GERD symptoms and can cause to heartburn.

Anxiety and GERD are often connected by their common symptoms. This makes it difficult to distinguish between the two conditions and treat them properly. Fortunately, there are a number of at-home and prescription treatments that can help manage both disorders.

Find out the triggers that cause anxiety neurosis symptoms and GERD. For instance, if your anxiety is caused by stress at work, you should try to reduce stress. You can also avoid foods that cause GERD such as fried foods and acidic drinks. Also, you should consider seeking psychological treatment to deal with the root cause of your anxiety. This can be done through medication or by speaking to a therapist.

Causes

Although everyone suffers from heartburn from time to time, when it becomes a regular and persistent issue it could mean that you have GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. It's also normal for people with GERD to experience anxiety, and the two conditions often coincide.

GERD symptoms include pain and irritation caused by stomach acid or pepsin backing into the esophagus. This is thought to be caused by weakening of the lower esophageal muscle, which stops liquids and food from entering your lungs while you swallow. This is due to several factors, such as muscle tension due to anxiety and stress, which could cause the muscles in the area to tighten.

It's also believed that when you're feeling anxious your intestines may produce more acid than they normally do. This may be because the body's natural response to stress that triggers your digestive system. This additional acid can then cause irritation to the esophagus and an uncomfortable burning sensation.

Researchers have also found that the gut and the brain are inextricably linked. This is referred to as the "gut-brain connection," and it's thought that your mood and emotions can affect your gut's bacteria and how your body works. This is why it is crucial to deal with any anxiety issues you might be suffering from.

You can treat both acid reflux and anxiety. There are many methods to achieve this, such as taking antacids or other heartburn medicines as well as making changes to your diet, and working out regularly. It is important to remember that physical symptoms of anxiety attack treatments will not eliminate the root cause of the problem. You'll also need to focus on your mental health.

Therapy and anti-anxiety medication are available to combat anxiety. These treatments will reduce anxiety symptoms and increase your quality of life. Join a support group to learn from other people who suffer from anxiety and learn tips. You can also take part in online forums where people with anxiety offer encouragement and support.

Treatment

There are many treatments for both anxiety and acid reflux. If you are struggling with both, it's important to treat both at the same time for long-lasting relief. You can also try the over-the-counter heartburn medication and avoid foods that cause acid reflux. Additionally, you should look into incorporating stress-reducing techniques into your life like yoga or meditation.

Although it's not entirely understood the reasons GERD and anxiety go hand-in-hand, experts suspect that they have a common cause. Disorders of anxiety alter the way that your brain sends signals to the rest of your body, which can affect the functioning of your stomach. In particular, anxiety disorders can cause your lower esophageal muscle work in a way that is not optimally. This can result in the buildup of acid in your stomach and then rise up into your esophagus.

People with GERD can also have a greater sensitivity to their esophagus. This can be aggravated by anxiety or other mental health problems. This makes it more difficult to determine if something is causing their heartburn, and it can be hard to determine what is causing the symptoms.

Treatments for both GERD and anxiety typically require medication, lifestyle changes, and treatment. Acid reflux can be treated by taking medications such as proton pumps inhibitors as well as antacids. These medications block the release of stomach acid. These medicines can be very effective, but they don't address the root cause of your problems. A therapist on the other hand, can teach you healthy ways to cope with anxiety and stress.

Anxiety disorders and GERD typically have a negative relationship where anxiety can cause pain, and that pain then increases your stress levels. This can result in a vicious cycle in which you are suffering from both conditions. But, it's not a requirement that you'll suffer from both. There are a variety of treatment options that can enhance the quality of your life for both reflux and anxiety such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which focuses on changing negative thought patterns. Interpersonal Therapy teaches you how to improve your daily relationships.

Prevention

Heartburn is a common occurrence however, if it occurs on a regular basis it could be a sign 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 you to be worried about possible damage.

You can take a few steps to stop anxiety from contributing to heartburn and acid indigestion. First, if you're on any anxiety medications consult your doctor about how they might influence your symptoms of anxiety and depression of reflux. Certain anti-anxiety drugs, such as benzodiazepines can increase the risk of having reflux. They shouldn't be taken when you suffer from GERD.

Second, avoid foods and drinks that cause heartburn or may worsen your symptoms. Alcohol, caffeine and spicy foods are all things to avoid. Stress and anxiety may increase your appetite, so it's important to maintain a balanced diet and get enough sleep.

Anxiety can lead to overeating, which can cause obesity and other health issues. The excess weight puts pressure on your abdomen which can also contribute to reflux. If you're worried about your digestion, speak to a physician who can recommend healthy eating habits and could prescribe medication to help with your health issues.

Although over-the-counter medicines can help relieve heartburn, it's also a best practice to find ways to lower your stress levels. This could involve meditation, exercise, and relaxation.

Certain studies have revealed that those with GERD suffer from higher levels of exam anxiety symptoms as compared to those who do not. It's not known why this is, but researchers speculate that it may have to have something to do with the manner in which GERD can cause anxiety.

It's also important to remember that some over-the-counter acid reflux medications can cause an increase in your GERD physical symptoms of anxiety and depression It's a good idea to consult with your doctor before trying these medications again. They may recommend alternative medicines, such as antacids, lansoprazole, or omeprazole. They can also give tips on how to decrease your stress levels, which could help alleviate your anxiety and GERD.