Can Anxiety Cause Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux is caused by a weakened or malfunctioning sphincter. The sphincter allows stomach acid to flow back to the esophagus which irritates the sensitive tissue and causes other symptoms to occur as well. However, anxiety and acid reflux often go hand in hand. While anxiety alone doesn’t cause acid reflux, it can worsen the symptoms associated with acid reflux.  

Understanding acid reflux: Causes and symptoms

Acid reflux is caused when stomach acid leaks back up to the esophagus and irritates the sensitive tissue there. The leak occurs when the sphincter, which separates the esophagus and stomach, is weakened or impaired. Most people experience an episode of acid reflux at least once or twice. However, frequently occurring episodes of acid reflux, known as GERD, affect millions of people worldwide. Common symptoms of acid reflux and GERD include:

• Chest pain
• Heartburn
• Regurgitation
• Indigestion
• Nausea
• Burping
• Coughing

Can anxiety trigger acid reflux?

The exact link between acid reflux and anxiety is still being studied. However, current studies have found that having anxiety or depression can increase the risk of experiencing GERD. People experiencing GERD episodes can also develop anxiety due to the uncomfortable symptoms that occur. Researchers also believe that anxiety can worsen symptoms of GERD, such as heartburn and stomach pain. 

Shared symptoms of both acid reflux and anxiety

Acid reflux and anxiety both share some common symptoms. Experiencing a common symptom, such as heartburn, doesn’t necessarily mean that you have both conditions.  However, carefully keeping track of the symptoms that occur in your body helps you to pinpoint the exact cause so you can work towards finding a solution. Some common symptoms of both acid reflux and anxiety include:

• Heartburn
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Feeling of a lump in your throat
• Choking sensation

Tips to treating acid reflux and anxiety

There are a number of ways to treat acid reflux and anxiety. The most effective way to treat either condition is a combination of medicine and lifestyle changes. Doctors may be able to recommend different medicines and over the counter treatments for your acid reflux and anxiety symptoms. 

Lifestyle changes

Making changes in your lifestyle may be able to help relieve some of the symptoms of acid reflux and anxiety. Some simple lifestyle changes include:

• Getting regular exercise
• Starting meditation or yoga
• Quitting smoking

Dietary changes

Dietary changes may not help relieve your anxiety, but they can help reduce the symptoms of either acid reflux or anxiety that you experience. Some effective dietary changes include:

• Avoiding caffeine and alcohol
• Avoiding foods that trigger acid reflux, including spicy foods or foods high in acidity
• Seeking out foods that don't trigger acid reflux, such as whole grain bread or oatmeal

Why Omeprazole (Generic Prilosec) is your best treatment option for acid reflux

With moderate to severe cases of acid reflux, making simple lifestyle and dietary changes may not be enough to curb your symptoms. The good news? Prescription drug Omeprazole has been proven to be incredibly effective treatment, alleviating all symptoms!

Take control of your treatment by speaking with one of our online doctors today. They can help you discuss your best course of action, including prescription medication Omeprazole.

The best part? Omeprazole works the same as brand name acid reflux medications—at a fraction of the cost! It works by reducing stomach acid, effectively preventing recurring episodes of acid reflux. Plus, most adults, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, can safely take Omeprazole.

Schedule a virtual doctor’s appointment, today.

Get help for your acid reflux, today!

Acid reflux is incredibly bothersome & inconvenient. While diet & lifestyle changes may help, your best option to treat acid reflux is to speak with a doctor.

Schedule a virtual visit with one of EMD's reputable doctors & get a personalized treatment plan that works.

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