Research shows that people who report depression and anxiety are more sensitive to reflux. Everybody gets heartburn from time to time. But if it becomes chronic — defined as two or more times per week — you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Second, depression might actually increase reflux. Psychological factors can decrease the pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter23, change esophageal motility23, increase gastric acid secretion24, and decrease acid clearance in the esophagus24. Third, antidepressant medication might aggravate reflux25.
Anxiety and stress may also be contributing factors to acid reflux in some cases. Conversely, acid reflux can be stressful and may cause anxiety in some people. People with troubling symptoms or symptoms that do not respond to home treatment should speak with a doctor.
The full correlation between anxiety and depression with GERD is not fully understood. However, a close relationship between the brain and GI tract has been established. Stress and emotions can alter GI function and can even cause GI symptoms and disease.
Consequently, anxiety could act as a trigger for acid reflux, among other changes in the body. A 2018 study points out that anxiety may change the pressure in the esophageal sphincter, which keeps acid in the stomach.
Avoid foods that cause excess stomach acid production, such as fatty and rich foods, cut out caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, and give up smoking. Reduce stress, get plenty of rest and exercise regularly. Regulate weight by maintaining a good diet and exercising regularly.
GERD can lead to anxiety and depression, in turn, psychological disorders can also lead to reflux symptoms. People with depression are 1.7 times more likely to develop GERD compared to those without depression. In the study of Kessing et al,23 levels of anxiety can increase the severity of reflux episodes.
Furthermore, antidepressants reduced functional chest pain by 18% to 67% and reduced heartburn in patients with GERD by 23% to 61%.
Citalopram Reduces GERD Symptoms in Hypersensitive Esophagus
However, previous studies suggest that tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) reduce pain in patients with noncardiac chest pain and diffuse esophageal spasm.
Acid reflux and GERD can both cause heartburn and may both be influenced by stress levels1. If you are increasingly noticing a burning sensation in your chest or throat, it could be a sign that you need to take some time to deal with stress.
Management and Treatment
Most cases of LPR do not need medical care and can be managed with lifestyle changes, including the following: Follow a bland diet (low acid levels, low in fat, not spicy). Eat frequent, small meals. Lose weight.
A person without a history of heartburn may start experiencing it due to changes in diet or lifestyle, certain medications, medical conditions, or stress and anxiety.
Although many people consider depression a mental health illness, it can cause physical symptoms, including sickness. Experts have found links between depression and several gastrointestinal conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Various psychosocial factors, including chronic stress, emotional instability, abnormal acid reflux, and obesity, are associated with GERD manifestation and symptoms.
Medications and dietary supplements that can increase acid reflux and worsen GERD include: Anticholinergics, such as oxybutynin (Ditropan XL), prescribed for overactive bladder and irritable bowel syndrome. Tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline, doxepin, others)
Amitriptyline (Vanatrip, Endep), imipramine (Tofranil), and nortriptyline (Pamelor, Aventyl) are among the tricyclic antidepressants that can cause acid reflux. Ask your doctor if a drug in another class of antidepressants might have fewer gastrointestinal side effects. Antibiotics.
While you can manage some symptoms with medications, you may wonder if it is possible to cure GERD permanently. The answer is yes — you may be able to through surgery and lifestyle factors, or both.
Stomach problems are one of the most common symptoms of stress and anxiety. Researchers have identified a powerful connection between the gut and the brain.
Can Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease be cured? Yes, GERD can be cured. The most common treatment for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease is medication, which can help to decrease the amount of acid in your stomach. If lifestyle changes don't help, your doctor may also recommend surgery.
Silent reflux, also known as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), is a condition in which stomach acid flows back up the esophagus (swallowing tube) into the larynx (voice box) and throat. LPR is called silent reflux because it often does not cause any symptoms in the chest.