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Leavenworth, IN
A 33-year-old female asked:

Can stress/anxiety make gerd/acid reflux worse? dr. thinks i have gerd. i've had anxiety lately and the gerd seems to be worse with anxiety.

5 doctor answers8 doctors weighed in
Dr. Michael Roman
Internal Medicine 28 years experience
Absolutely: Can make the gerd symptoms worse. Talk to your doctor about the best treatments
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Vahe Yetimyan
General Practice 53 years experience
It can: make worse because acid secretion of the stomach increases with stress and anxiety.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Rex Mahnensmith
A Verified Doctoranswered
46 years experience
GERD AND STRESS: Yes. Stomach acid secretion increases with stress. More acid can mean more reflux, potentially. GERD relieve includes diet modifications, smaller portions, thorough chewing, not overfilling stomach, antacid use, and acid blocker rx. Advil (ibuprofen) can increase risks a bit. Work on relaxation techniques, deep breathing, praying, yoga, pacing, music, singing, etc.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. William Coutts ii
Family Medicine 28 years experience
Yes: Stress can just about anything worse. therefore it can ceratinly make your GERD worse. Exercise is one of the best stress relievers. You need to checked out by your family doctor and see what is best to treat your GERD.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Carlos Barrios
Child Psychiatry 25 years experience
Absolutely!: Along with treatment for GERD , describe any other items related to your anxiety such as what may be stressing you out and any other symptoms of anxiety you have. The doc may feel comfortable treating the anxiety or refer you to a therapist and or psychiatrist if severe enough. With only a few exceptions in short run, avoid benzos- they are not effective in the long run and lead to addiction.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Last updated Mar 16, 2019

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