Do you find that your symptoms of acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) work at their worst, like during a job interview or just before your exams? Most people with heartburn can avoid chili and skip orange juice for breakfast.
According to some studies and surveys, stress may very well be another heartburn trigger. But with some effective coping techniques, you can calm your stomach even in the most challenging moments. So if you are wondering how to reduce stress-induced heartburn, here is the post for you. Let’s see the details.
Introduction
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic state in which acid from the stomach flows back into the esophagus. It is not uncommon to experience acid reflux occasionally, but acid reflux that happens at least two times a week is GERD.
Stress is your body’s natural response to anxiety, but severe anxiety or anxiety that lasts for a few months and interferes with your life can indicate an anxiety disorder.
Both conditions are on the rise. The two may seem unrelated, but researchers believe there may be a link between GERD and anxiety, although the nature of that link is unclear.
Causes of GERD
It is caused by frequent acid reflux, which occurs when acid from the stomach travels up the esophagus, irritating its lining and sometimes causing inflammation. Some situations can increase the risk of GERD, including:
- Delayed stomach emptying
- Hiatal hernia
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Certain lifestyle factors can make acid reflux worse, including poor eating habits, such as:
- Eating large meals
- Lying down while or shortly after eating
- Eating fried or fatty foods
- Stress, which is closely related to anxiety, is also known to make acid reflux worse.
GERD and Anxiety
A study found that anxiety and depression increase the risk of GERD, and other studies found that the negative effect of GERD on quality of life increases anxiety and depression, creating a vicious circle. However, there is no scientific evidence that positively links stress with increased stomach acid.
However, several studies have found that anxiety increases symptoms associated with GERD, such as heartburn and upper abdominal pain. It is believed that stress can make you more sensitive to pain and other signs of GERD. Anxiety and other psychological disorders can also affect esophageal motility and the functioning of the lower esophageal sphincter. Esophageal motility is the contractions that take place in the esophagus to move food into the stomach.
The lower esophageal sphincter is a ring of muscle around the lower part of the esophagus. It relaxes to allow food and liquids to enter the stomach and closes to prevent stomach contents from flowing upward.
Symptoms of Stress-Induced Heartburn
GERD and anxiety can cause several different symptoms.
- Gastrointestinal problems, such as heartburn, nausea, and stomach pain, are common symptoms of both conditions.
- Another common symptom in both is globus feeling, the painless sensation of a lump in the throat or a sense of tightness or suffocation.
- People who experience bloating often also have hoarseness, chronic cough, or a persistent need to clear their throat.
- Disruption of sleep is also a common symptom of both conditions. Acid reflux can worsen when you’re lying down, which can cause you to wake up frequently. Anxiety affects your sleep pattern and can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep.
Other Symptoms of GERD
- Chest pain
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Spitting out acidic liquid or food
- Other anxiety symptoms include:
- Feeling restless or nervous
- Sense of forthcoming danger or doom
- Rapid heartbeat
- Hyperventilation
- Difficulty controlling worry
- Chest tightness or pain
Treating GERD and Anxiety
Treatment of GERD and anxiety may require a combination of medications for both conditions, although antacid medications commonly used to treat GERD are less effective in people whose symptoms are related to stress.
Medical treatments and medications for GERD and anxiety.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) antacids
- H-2 receptor blockers (H2 blockers)
- proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Benzodiazepines
- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Preventive Measures
There are things you can do at home that can help relieve the symptoms and anxiety of GERD. A doctor may advise you to try them before medications or in conjunction with medical treatment. So consult aCardiologist in Islamabadto get expert advice. Such as:
- Eat a healthy diet
- Don’t eat foods that trigger acid reflux or heartburn.
- Getting regular exercise, such as going for a walk
- Use relaxation techniques, such as tai chi, yoga, or meditation
- Avoiding caffeine and alcohol
It is known that anxiety and stress can trigger or worsen GERD-related symptoms.
You may be able to get rid of many of the symptoms of both conditions with home remedies, but both states require a visit to the doctor. Some treatments can assist you in controlling or preventing both diseases.
Both GERD and anxiety can cause chest pain, which is also a symptom of a heart attack. You can get a list of the best Cardiologist in Islamabadby visiting Marham.
Book an appointment without any difficulty through Marham.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1- How Does Stress Cause Heartburn?
Have you ever noticed that you can lose your appetite when you are stressed? This means that your body slows down the digestion process, keeps food in the stomach longer, and gives stomach acids more time to cause stress-related heartburn.
2- Can stress cause inflammation of the esophagus?
Stress may induce objective reflux of gastric contents and ultimately lead to reflux esophagitis regardless of the presence of symptoms.
3- Does water help heartburn?
A lot of consumption of water can improve the digestion process and slow down the symptoms of GERD. A diet or food with ginger can calm an overly acidic stomach. Ginger tea can also be included in the diet.
