Do I Have GERD or Is It Just My Anxiety?

By Gastroenterology of Greater Orlando

Anxiety can often manifest itself in physical symptoms include gastrointestinal issues. It’s actually more common than you may think. Conditions like heartburn, chest pain, or difficulty swallowing can all be linked to anxiety, but all of these conditions can also be a sign of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). Understanding the difference between these conditions is important to help you communicate with your doctor and find solutions that work for you.

What is GERD?

GERD is a chronic condition when the lower esophageal sphincter, a muscle that separates the esophagus from the stomach, becomes weak or overly relaxed, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. That acid results in symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and throat irritation, often after meals or when a patient lays down. Left untreated, GERD can severely impact a person’s quality of life and even lead to more serious conditions.

How Anxiety Effects Your Digestion

While anxiety primarily affects mental and emotional well-being, it can also manifest with physical symptoms that mimic those of GERD. During prolonged periods of elevated stress or anxiety, your body releases hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which can stimulate the production of stomach acid and alter digestive function. This can lead to symptoms such as chest tightness, difficulty breathing, palpitations, and gastrointestinal discomfort.

The Difference Between GERD and Anxiety

It’s usually difficult to distinguish between GERD and anxiety due to their overlap, especially because anxiety can worsen symptoms. However, certain factors can help you pinpoint the cause of your symptoms. If your symptoms are worse after meals, lying down, or bending over, it’s more indicative of GERD.

Try keeping a food diary and tracking your symptoms to help identify triggers and patterns from episodes. If you can link periods of stress or heightened anxiety with your symptoms such as stomach aches, these things may be exacerbating gastrointestinal issues.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Since both GERD and anxiety can have overlapping symptoms, it’s essential to communicate with your doctor for an accurate diagnosis. They may recommend diagnostic tests such as upper endoscopy, esophageal pH monitoring, or imaging studies to evaluate the cause of your symptoms. Additionally, they may suggest lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, medications, stress management techniques, or therapy to address both GERD and anxiety symptoms effectively.

Seeking Treatment

Navigating the complexities of GERD and anxiety can be challenging, but you have to address both physical and emotional factors that contribute to your symptoms. By working closely with your healthcare provider, you can develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. Remember, you’re not alone in managing GERD and anxiety, and there are resources and treatment options available to help you find relief and regain control of your health.

For more on gut health, contact Gastroenterology of Greater Orlando. We are a cutting-edge clinical gastroenterology practice that sets the standard in digestive health care. Contact us to schedule a consultation or learn more about how we can help you maintain digestive wellness.