Can Anxiety Cause Reflux Symptoms: 11 Things You're Forgetting To Do
Can Anxiety Cause Reflux Symptoms?
Traditional treatments for heartburn, such as acid reducers and antacids may help manage your symptoms. For lasting relief, it's important to reduce anxiety.
Research suggests there is an association between anxiety and acid reflux (GERD). Stress can affect your digestive system, causing or aggravated acid reflux.
Signs and symptoms
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid leaks into the esophagus. The acid can irritate the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms. Acid reflux can be caused by a variety factors, including spicy food and caffeine, as well as medications like NSAIDs, pregnancy, being overweight, or stress. Acid reflux symptoms include a burning feeling in the throat and chest pain. There could also be the sensation of a bad taste or bad smell in the mouth.
Several studies suggest that there is an association between anxiety and gastroesophageal disease (GERD) which is the medical term for acid reflux. The two conditions have similar symptoms. For example, GERD and anxiety both result in chest pain, which could be mistaken as a heart attack.
One theory is that anxiety can alter 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 up into the throat. Moreover, anxiety can also increase the production of stomach acid. People who experience high levels of anxiety might suffer more severe GERD symptoms than those who don't suffer from anxiety.
Stress can also be a factor in the connection between anxiety and GERD. When you are under stress your body produces cortisol. This hormone can cause you to feel nauseous or have other digestive side-effects. Cortisol, in addition, can cause your stomach to produce more acid, which can worsen GERD and lead to symptoms of heartburn.
Anxiety and GERD can cause an unending cycle, since both disorders have symptoms that overlap. This makes it difficult to distinguish between the two conditions and to treat them appropriately. Fortunately, there are several at-home and prescription treatments that can be used to treat both disorders.
Find out what triggers anxiety and GERD. If your anxiety is caused by stress at work, try to lessen the stress. You could also consider avoiding foods that contribute to your GERD, such as fried food and acidic beverages. Also, you should consider seeking psychological treatment to address the root of anxiety. This can be done by using medication or speaking to the therapist.
Causes
While everyone gets occasional bouts of heartburn but when it becomes a regular and ongoing issue it could indicate that you may have GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease. It's common for people who suffer from GERD to also experience anxiety. Both conditions typically go together.
GERD symptoms include pain and irritation caused by stomach acid or pepsin that is pushed into the esophagus. This is thought to be due to a weakening of the lower esophageal muscle that hinders liquids and food from reaching your lungs when you're swallowing. This is caused by a combination of factors, including muscle tension due to stress and anxiety.
If you're stressed it is believed that your intestines are producing more acid. This may be because the body has a natural response to stress that triggers the digestive system. The additional acid may cause irritation to the esophagus, which can result in the sensation of burning.
Research has also shown that the brain and gut are connected. This is known as the "gut-brain axis," and it's thought that your mood and feelings can affect your gut's bacteria and how your body works. This is why it's so important to address any underlying anxiety issues you may have.
You can treat anxiety and acid reflux. You can do this in a variety of ways, such as by taking anti-acids, changing your diet and exercising regularly. It's crucial to keep in mind that physical therapies will not solve the root of the problem -- you'll need to improve your mental health too.
Anti-anxiety medications and therapy are available to combat anxiety. These treatments will reduce your anxiety symptoms and improve your quality of life. Join a support group to learn from other people with anxiety and get tips. You can also participate in online forums where people suffering from anxiety provide support and encouragement.
Treatment
There are many methods to manage anxiety and acid Indigestion. If you're suffering from both, it is important to treat them at the same time to ensure long-lasting relief. You can also take over-the-counter heartburn medications and avoid foods that cause acid reflux. You should also incorporate stress-relieving methods into your routine such as meditation or yoga.
Although it's not entirely understood why GERD and anxiety go hand-in-hand experts believe that they have a common cause. Anxiety disorders can alter the way your stomach functions. An anxiety disorder can cause your lower esophageal sphincter to function improperly. This could cause your stomach to become acidic, which can then spread into your esophagus.
Additionally, those with GERD might experience a greater degree of sensitivity in their stomach, which could be worsened by anxiety and other mental health issues. This makes it more difficult for them to tell when something is causing their heartburn, and it may be difficult to determine what triggers their symptoms.
Treatments for both GERD and anxiety typically involve lifestyle changes, medication and treatment. Medications like proton pump inhibitors and antacids can aid in reducing acid reflux by preventing the release of gastric acid in your stomach. These medications can be very helpful however they don't solve the root of your problems. A therapist on the contrary, can teach you healthy ways to cope with stress and anxiety.
Anxiety disorders can lead to GERD, and the cycle is often negative. The anxiety causes pain and then that pain can increase stress. This can result in an unending cycle where you suffer from both conditions. It's not necessary to have both. There are a variety of treatments for acid reflux and anxiety that can improve your quality of life, including cognitive behavioral therapy, which focuses on changing negative thought patterns, as well as Interpersonal Therapy, which teaches you techniques to improve your relationships throughout your daily life.
The following is a list with preventions.
Heartburn is a common occurrence everyone experiences at some point however if it occurs frequently it could be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD can cause acid from your stomach to leak back into your throat and esophagus. This can result in a feeling of burning in your chest or throat, and make you anxious about the possibility of damage.
There are view website to stop your anxiety from contributing to your heartburn and acid reflux. Talk to your doctor if you are taking anxiety medication about how they may affect your symptoms of reflux. Some anti-anxiety medications, such as benzodiazepines can increase the risk of reflux. They shouldn't be taken when you suffer from GERD.
The second is to avoid eating and beverages that can trigger heartburn or cause worsening symptoms. This includes fatty and spicy food items, alcohol and caffeine. Stress and anxiety may also increase your appetite. It is important to eat an appropriate diet and get enough rest.
Anxiety can lead to eating disorders, which can cause overweight and other health issues. Weight gain puts extra stress on your abdomen, which can also contribute to reflux. Talk to your doctor if you're worried about your digestion. He can prescribe medication and suggest healthy eating habits.
Although over-the-counter medications can relieve heartburn symptoms, it's a good idea also to find ways to lower stress. This could include meditation, exercise, and relaxation.
Certain studies have revealed that people with GERD suffer from more anxiety levels compared to those who don't. It's unclear what the reason is, but some researchers suggest that it could be to be related to the way GERD can trigger anxiety.
It's also important to note that some over-the-counter acid reflux medications can cause an increase in your GERD symptoms, so it's a good idea to see your doctor before attempting them again. They may also suggest other medications, such as antacids, lansoprazole, or omeprazole. They can also offer advice on how to reduce stress which can ease anxiety and GERD.