Is it true that GERD Anxiety is prone to be experienced at a young age?

Hello Hermina Friends, Anxiety or worry may already sound familiar among young people. It's not just a matter of feelings, the anxiety experienced by a person also has an impact on their body's health, one of which is by increasing the risk of GERD. 

 Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD is a chronic condition in which stomach acid reflux occurs at least more than once a week. Meanwhile anxiety or anxiety is the body's natural response to stress. Although GERD and anxiety are two different conditions, researchers believe that they are related. GERD that is triggered by anxiety is known as GERD anxiety.

What is the Relationship Between GERD and Anxiety?

Although anxiety isn't on the list of causes of GERD, a 2015 study found that anxiety and depression can increase the risk of GERD. Meanwhile, other studies have found that the negative effects of GERD on sufferers' quality of life can increase anxiety and depression. However, there is no scientific evidence that positively links anxiety to increased stomach acid.

Have you ever suddenly felt a sharp pain in your stomach and chest? This could be a sign of GERD which is triggered by the stress you experience.

Stress is known to worsen the symptoms and risks when you experience GERD. When stressful conditions occur, the body cannot produce prostaglandins which can protect the digestive tract from the effects of stomach acid which continues to be produced. If that happens, the body will be susceptible to feeling pain in the digestive tract.

Apart from that, stress can also cause fatigue, which will increase your risk of experiencing decreased body function and cause several health problems, including stomach acid.

How to Treat GERD Anxiety

Treating GERD and anxiety requires a combination of medications for both conditions, although stomach acid medications commonly used to treat GERD have been found to be less effective at treating anxiety-related symptoms. Home treatments can also help reduce GERD anxiety symptoms.

Your doctor may also recommend that you take psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, to manage anxiety.

Meanwhile, home treatments that can be done to treat GERD anxiety are:

- Eat healthy food.
- Avoid foods that can trigger acid reflux or heartburn.
- Exercise regularly, for example going for a walk.
- Try relaxation techniques, such as yoga, tai chi, or meditation.
- Avoid consuming caffeine and alcohol.
These are the things you need to know about GERD anxiety. If you are experiencing anxiety, you can consult a psychiatric specialist at Hermina Mekarsari Hospital to talk about your feelings with the right person is a way to help reduce anxiety.

Referensi:

Healthline. Diakses pada 2021. Is There a Connection Between GERD and Anxiety?.

Medical News Today. Diakses pada 2021. Acid reflux and anxiety: What to know.

Healthline - Everything You Need to Know About Acid Reflux and GERD, https://www.healthline.com/health/gerd#treatment-options

dr. Tommy Raharja, SpJK