Yes, it's possible. Emotional stress can increase acid production in the stomach, aggravating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In people with GERD, the lower esophageal sphincter muscle (which acts as a door between the stomach and the esophagus) doesn't work properly.
Stress caused by anxiety may also affect contractions occurring in the esophagus, which propel food toward the stomach. If these contractions become irregular, it can lead to reflux. Finally, high stress and anxiety levels may increase the production of stomach acid.
Clinical studies have confirmed the association between psychosocial disorders and GERD. 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.
Excess Stomach Acid It appears that stress increases stomach acid buildup. For many, this can cause issues not only with heartburn, but also appetite. Despite the increase in stomach acid, it's not terribly common for those symptoms to cause heartburn (they often cause indigestion and stomach discomfort, however).
There is some evidence to suggest that stress and anxiety may provoke acid reflux or make the symptoms worse. For instance, a 2018 study involving more than 19,000 people found that those with anxiety were more likely to experience GERD symptoms.
found that there is a direct link between psychological disorders and acid reflux [11]. According to Yang et al., non-erosive reflux disease and reflux esophagitis patients had higher anxiety and depression scores than healthy individuals.
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.
Treating GERD and Anxiety
Medications to avoid in treating anxiety and GERD include:3. Tricyclic antidepressants: These have been shown to lower esophageal sphincter pressure. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): These impair esophageal motility, which can lead to episodes of acid reflux.
Furthermore, antidepressants reduced functional chest pain by 18% to 67% and reduced heartburn in patients with GERD by 23% to 61%.
The results of this study clearly demonstrate that patients with typical reflux symptoms who have failed twice-daily PPI therapy and have a well-defined diagnosis of hypersensitive esophagus will benefit from treatment with citalopram.
A sore throat is often a sign of contagious illness, including colds, strep throat, and influenza. 4 In these cases, you should stay home from work. However, if you often experience a sore throat due to allergies, acid reflux, or dry air, or if you overused your voice the prior day, there is no need to call in sick.
In particular, emotional instability, including depression and anxiety, is associated with increased risk of GERD.
Yes, it's possible. Emotional stress can increase acid production in the stomach, aggravating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
People without a history of heartburn can suddenly develop heartburn as a result of eating certain foods, some eating patterns, drinking, and smoking. Stress, anxiety, certain medications, and some medical conditions can also cause it.
The most common cause is food that's acidic or high in fat—like citrus fruits, tomatoes, onions, chocolate, coffee, cheese, and peppermint. Spicy foods or large meals can also be the root of distress. Other sources of heartburn include aspirin or ibuprofen, as well as some sedatives and blood pressure medications.
Stress can impact the gastrointestinal system in many different ways. This includes changing the way the stomach and intestines digest, which can lead to heartburn symptoms. Taking small steps to reduce your stress levels can have a big impact on both your mental and physical health.
Heartburn is a burning feeling in the chest caused by stomach acid travelling up towards the throat (acid reflux). If it keeps happening, it's called gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).
If you are an adult with GERD, it will not go away on its own, but there are treatments that can help you manage it, including: Over-the-counter medications, such as antacids. Prescription medications, such as proton pump inhibitors. Surgery, including a laparoscopic procedure called the LINX procedure.
How long an episode of acid reflux lasts varies from person to person. In some people, heartburn caused by acid reflux lasts for just a few minutes, while in others it can persist for hours. Even when heartburn symptoms subside, they can return after several hours if you lie down or bend over.
Stage 1 (mild): A person has infrequent heartburn and regurgitation happening once or less each week. Stage 2 (moderate): A person has regurgitation or heartburn occurring a few times a week. Stage 3 (severe): A person has regular heartburn, a chronic cough, regurgitation, a hoarse voice, and regurgitation of food.