Below are some of the common digestive issues that those with Multiple Sclerosis suffer with: Acid reflux. Bowel dysfunction – caused by muscle spasms that impacts signals between the central nervous system and the digestive system. Persistent hiccups – due to spasms in the diaphragm due to damage to the vagus nerve.
When these nerves are pinched, they cannot effectively deliver messages between the brain and your digestive system. When this happens, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), acid reflux and heartburn, constipation and other digestive issues arise.
Constipation and Fecal Incontinence
The most prevalent chronic digestive symptom in those with MS is constipation, affecting about half of those with MS. Individuals who experience constipation have infrequent bowel movements that are difficult to pass, and often accompanied by significant bowel pain and bloating.
Heartburn-like pain is a common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), but several other conditions can cause a burning feeling in your chest, including gallstones, stomach ulcer and esophageal cancer.
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.
One of the reasons is the aging of muscles. One of the leading causes of acid reflux is the muscle mentioned above, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Just like muscles in your legs and arms, your internal muscles weaken with age as well.
When should I see a doctor for heartburn? If you experience frequent (more than two times per week) or severe heartburn, or if your heartburn is accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain or difficulty breathing, you should seek medical attention.
Up to 30 percent of people with MS report having indigestion symptoms, compared to 8 percent of the general population. Many people with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience gastroparesis, a feeling of fullness, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain shortly after consuming food.
The association between multiple sclerosis (MS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), has been supposed for decades [1].
If you pinch the T6 nerve in your spine, your mid back will hurt, you could have chest pain and you may have heartburn or acid reflux if that part of the T6 nerve is pinched. There are actually two nerves that control the stomach, one tells the stomach to release acid when food comes in so proper digestion occurs.
The esophagus, stomach, and the rest of the digestive tract are innervated by the vagus nerve. This junction itself regulates the food and fluid that is moving from the esophagus to the stomach. This is a very important function because this is one of the things that can contribute to acid reflux.
When heartburn hits and you need relief, try an antacid like Tums, Rolaids, or Maalox. These medications act quickly to neutralize the acid in the stomach, which can reduce your symptoms.
Acid reflux happens because a valve at the end of your esophagus, the lower esophageal sphincter, doesn't close properly when food arrives at your stomach. Acid backwash then flows back up through your esophagus into your throat and mouth, giving you a sour taste.
GERD is a more severe form of acid reflux. The most common symptom of GERD is frequent heartburn.
Water. In general, drinking water can help balance the pH of a particularly acidic meal, which may help to lower the risk of acid reflux. Studies show that drinking mineral water with a high hydrogen carbonate content can help to alleviate the frequency and severity of acid reflux.
If you are experiencing heartburn on a daily basis, it is likely time to be evaluated for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Persistent, untreated GERD may lead to more serious conditions. Sometimes, it can be a precursor to other diseases, including cancer.
Heartburn occurring more than twice per week is a symptom of GERD and may require stronger or prescription medications. Persistent heartburn can also be a symptom of other conditions, such as Barrett's esophagus, hiatal hernia, or esophageal cancer.
Drinks such as ginger tea, certain fruit and vegetable juices, and plant-based milks may benefit people experiencing acid reflux and heartburn. Avoiding citrus juices, carbonated beverages, and alcohol can also help to reduce symptom frequency and severity.
The study was adequately powered to detect a hazards ratio of 1.2 (corresponding to a 80% 10-year survival rate) for subjects with infrequent GERD and HR of 1.6 (74% 10-year survival) for patients with daily GERD compared with subjects with no heartburn.
Long-term acid reflux can damage the esophagus and may lead to a condition known as Barrett's esophagus, which is a precursor to esophageal cancer. Barrett's affects about 3% to 10% of older men, but within this group the risk of developing esophageal cancer is only about four in every 1,000 cases.