Managing Stress-Induced Acid Reflux

A man experiencing acid reflux in a park

Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or heartburn, is a common disorder. The symptoms can be annoying in the short term; however, if you suffer from incessant acid reflux, if left untreated, it can lead to swollen, painful, and bleeding ulcers.

A lot of time, acid reflux is the result of unhealthy eating behavior. Research has also associated GERD with stress and anxiety.

Association of Stress and Acid Reflux

Our digestive system is intricately connected with our emotions. As such, some people may develop acid reflux when they are in a situation of high stress, like moving to another city, transitioning to a new job, or weathering a family crisis. Research also suggests that low job satisfaction in the workplace also increases incidents of GERD, which can become chronic and result in long-term digestive issues.

Research has shown that there may be various reasons for this.

Being stressed out results in reduced pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter, which allows stomach acids to leak into the esophagus
Stress also results in persistent muscle tension. If muscle tension occurs around the stomach region, it can increase the pressure in the stomach and push the stomach acids up into the esophagus.
High levelsof anxiety are also linked to more production of stomach acid.

Other research states that stress and anxiety do not increase acid production or reflux. Rather, they reduce our pain threshold and make the esophagus more sensitive to acid erosion. Additionally, stressful situations also allow you to overeat, consume unhealthy food, drink alcohol, and smoke, which can also result in acid reflux.

How to Manage Stress-Induced Acid Reflux

Whether your acid reflux disease is caused by stress or some other factors, you can manage it by following the tips below:

Eating a healthy and low-acid diet
Limiting intake of alcohol
Quitting smoking and use of tobacco
Exercising regularly
Eating smaller portions of food in a single sitting
Meditating and relaxing
Getting a healthy amount of sleep every night

Schedule an Appointment with a Telemedicine Doctor

If you experience frequent acid reflux disease, then it is important to call a doctor who may check your symptoms and give you proper treatment.

At TelMDCare, we can help you schedule an appointment for acid reflux and GERD. During your video consultation, Dr. John Ibrahim will review your medical history and any medication you may be taking and ask you some questions about the kind of symptoms you are experiencing. The purpose of this is to find out whether the symptoms point to acid reflux.

Once we have determined the right diagnosis, we will take a look at the benefits and disadvantages of various treatment plans, including lifestyle and dietary changes and medication. We will tailor-make a treatment plan for you depending on the severity of your case. If we think it is necessary, we may also recommend you get in-person medical care for a more in-depth evaluation.

There are a variety of OPT and prescription medications that treat acid reflux, and they are available in more than a single dose.

If you are experiencing stress-induced acid reflux, it is important to get help near. At TelMDCare, we offer the services of highly qualified medical professionals who offer affordable medical care for acid reflux, including for those who do not have insurance and for people with varying visa and residency statuses.