Can Anxiety Cause Reflux Symptoms?

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

Research has shown that anxiety and acid reflux are connected. Stress can affect your digestive system, which can cause or worsen acid reflux.

Symptoms

Acid reflux happens when stomach acid leaks up into the esophagus. Acid can irritate the esophagus and cause heartburn and other symptoms. Acid reflux can be caused by many things, including spicy foods, caffeine, medications such as NSAIDs, pregnancy, overweight, and stress. The symptoms include a burning sensation in the throat, chest pain as well as a bad taste inside the mouth, and difficulty swallowing.

Numerous studies have found that anxiety symptoms panic attack and acid reflux (GERD) (the medical term used to describe gastroesophageal resorptasis disease, are closely linked. This is because the two conditions share similar symptoms. For instance, GERD can cause chest pain that can be mistaken for a cardiac event.

One theory is anxiety affects brain signals to the stomach. This can cause the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to relax in an abnormal way and allow stomach acid to flow into the esophagus. Additionally, anxiety can increase the production stomach acid. Therefore, those with high levels of anxiety mouth symptoms may experience more severe symptoms of GERD than people who are not anxious.

Another possibility is that anxiety and GERD are related due to stress. When you're under stress the body produces cortisol. This hormone can cause nausea or experience other digestive side-effects. Cortisol can cause your stomach to produce more acid. This can exacerbate GERD symptoms and can cause heartburn.

Anxiety and GERD can cause a vicious cycle because both disorders have symptoms that overlap. It is difficult to distinguish between the two conditions and to treat them in a timely manner. There are many at-home and prescribed therapies that can help manage these conditions.

Find out the triggers that cause anxiety and GERD. For instance, if your anxiety is caused by work-related stress, try to reduce stress. Also, avoid eating food items that trigger GERD such as fried foods and drinks that are acidic. Also, consider seeking psychological treatment to deal with the underlying cause of anxiety. You can do this by using medication or speaking to the therapist.

Causes

Heartburn is a common problem for all. However should it become a chronic and frequent problem, this could indicate that you suffer from GERD. It is common for those who suffer from GERD to also suffer from anxiety. The two conditions usually are inseparable.

The symptoms of GERD include stomach acid or pepsin leaking up into the esophagus which can cause irritation and pain. It's thought that this is caused by a weakening of the lower esophageal and sphincter, which is the muscle that keeps liquids and food from getting into the lungs when you swallow. This is due to various factors, including tension in the muscles caused by anxiety and stress which can cause the muscles of the area to tighten.

When you're anxious and stressed, it's believed that your intestines release more acid. This could be due to your body's natural response to stress triggers the digestive system. This extra acid can irritate the esophagus and trigger a burning sensation.

Researchers have also found that the gut and the brain are inextricably linked. This is called the "gut-brain" axis, and it's believed that your mood and your emotions can affect how your body functions and your gut bacteria. This is why it's important to address any anxiety issues you may have.

The good news is that you can treat anxiety as well as acid reflux at the same time. You can treat them in a variety of ways, such as by taking anti-acids, changing your diet, and working out regularly. But, it's important to remember that physical therapy won't fix the root of the issue -- you'll have to focus on your mental health too.

Therapy and anti-anxiety medication are available to combat anxiety. These treatments will reduce anxiety symptoms of labyrinthitis anxiety (describes it) and increase your quality of life. Join an online support group to learn from others who suffer from anxiety and learn tips. You can also join online forums where people suffering from anxiety provide encouragement and support.

Treatment

There are a variety of treatments for anxiety as well as acid reflux. If you're struggling with both, it is important to treat them at the same time to ensure long-lasting relief. This includes avoiding foods and beverages that trigger acid reflux, and also using over-the-counter medications for heartburn. In the end, you should look into incorporating stress-reducing techniques into your daily routine like yoga or meditation.

Experts believe that GERD and anxiety share a common reason, though it is not completely understood. clinical anxiety symptoms disorders can alter the way that your stomach functions. Specifically, an anxiety disorder can cause your lower esophageal sphincter work in a way that is not optimally. This could cause your stomach to become acidic, which can then move up into your esophagus.

Additionally, those with GERD may have a heightened degree of sensitivity in their esophagus, which is worsened by anxiety or other mental health issues. This makes it harder to identify when something is causing their heartburn and it can be difficult to pinpoint what's triggering the symptoms.

Treatment for GERD and anxiety symptoms but not anxious usually involves medication, lifestyle changes as well as therapy and therapy. Acid reflux can be managed by taking medications such as proton pumps inhibitors as well as antiacids. These medications stop the release of stomach acid. These medicines can be extremely efficient, however they don't tackle the root cause of your issues. In contrast, a psychotherapist can show you how to manage anxiety and discover healthy ways to relieve 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 result in a vicious circle where you suffer from both. It's not necessary that you'll suffer from both. There are many treatment options that can improve your quality of life for both reflux and anxiety such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which focuses in transforming negative thoughts. Interpersonal Therapy teaches you how to improve your relationships on a daily basis.

The following is a list of preventatives.

Heartburn is a condition that everyone experiences at times however, if it happens frequently, it could be an indication of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD can cause acid from your stomach to leak back into your esophagus and throat. This can trigger discomfort in your throat or chest and can cause you to feel worried about the risk of damage.

There are steps you can take to prevent anxiety from contributing to acid indigestion and heartburn. Talk to your doctor in the event that you are taking any anxiety medications about how these might affect your symptoms of reflux. Certain anti-anxiety drugs such as benzodiazepines could increase the risk of reflux. They should not be used in the event that you suffer from GERD.

Third, avoid eating foods and drinks that could cause heartburn or cause worsening symptoms. Caffeine, alcohol and spicy food are all prohibited. Stress and anxiety can also increase your appetite, so it's important to maintain a balanced diet and get enough rest.

Anxiety can lead you to overeat, which could cause obesity and other health issues. Weight gain can cause abdominal pressure and cause reflux. If you're worried about your digestion, talk to a physician who can suggest healthy eating habits and could prescribe medication to ease your health issues.

Although over-the-counter remedies can help relieve the symptoms of heartburn, it's a good idea to look for ways to lessen stress. This can include meditation, exercising, or taking time to relax.

Certain studies have revealed that people suffering from GERD have more anxiety levels compared to those who don't. Researchers speculate that this may be due to the way GERD causes anxiety.

It's also important to know that certain over-the-counter acid-reflux medications can aggravate your GERD symptoms It's a good idea to consult with your doctor before attempting them again. They may also suggest alternative medications like antacids or lansoprazole or omeprazole. They can also give advice on how to reduce your stress levels, which could reduce anxiety and your GERD.