Stress may not actually cause stomach disorders, but it can exacerbate them. Unhealthy reactions to stress can cause pains throughout the body from muscle tension and constant worry. Tense feelings, anger, negativity and anxiety may lead to stomach problems, including stomach acid difficulties.
Identification
Stress can aggravate stomach acid production resulting in chronic heartburn or acid reflux. Heartburn, also called acid indigestion, results from stomach acid that rises up into the esophagus. It causes a burning sensation in the chest and throat. Some people who suffer from frequent heartburn have a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Medications and dietary changes can help treat the disorder. Lifestyle changes that help reduce stress may also relieve or eliminate acid reflux.
Reaction
Stress can cause people to react in ways that trigger excess stomach acid and acid reflux. Overeating and smoking often result from stress, according to MayoClinic.com. Overeating increases the risk of acid reflux and heartburn symptoms. Smoking may help some people feel temporarily relaxed from stress, but smoking relaxes an esophageal muscle and inhibits the production of saliva, promoting acid reflux.
Function
People under a great deal of stress often report an increase in severe acid reflux symptoms, according to Health.com. Pain receptors in the brain may become more active during stress, causing more intense or heightened responses to acid stomach symptoms. Hormone levels that protect the stomach from too much acid production may decrease for people who experience stress, Health.com notes.
Considerations
Stress can lead to other health ailments, including upset stomach and shortness of breath, aggravating stomach problems. Acute stress gastritis often results from unrelated conditions, such as sudden illness or injury, according to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Dictionary. The conditions may cause decreased blood flow to the stomach or damage to the stomach lining. Gastritis, an inflammation of the stomach lining, may increase acid reflux symptoms.
Prevention/Solution
MayoClinic.com recommends stress management techniques to control anxiety and stress. Exercising on a regular basis can relieve stress through walking or bicycle riding. Other alternative methods to relieve stress include relaxation techniques. Yoga, meditation, massage, aromatherapy, hypnosis and just listening to music can avoid the stressful conditions that increase the risk of acid indigestion. Not worrying about events that cannot be changed and, instead, solving little problems can help people gain a feeling of control, according to Family Doctor.org. Preparing for stressful events ahead, such as an exam or job interview, or seeing changes as positive challenges helps reduce stress.
