LATEST
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Can Acid Reflux Affect Your Bowel Movements or Stool?
Acid reflux and GERD do not typically cause changes in bowel movements or stool color directly. However, people with GERD can also experience diarrhea, constipation, or changes in stool appearance. These symptoms may occur together because of another digestive condition, medication side effects, or unrelated factors. If you’ve noticed unusual bowel movements alongside heartburn, it’s…
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Can a Stomach Bug Cause Heartburn?
Heartburn can occur during or after a stomach bug, especially when the illness involves repeated vomiting. Stomach acid coming up during vomiting can irritate the esophagus and cause a burning sensation similar to heartburn. However, there is limited evidence that viral gastroenteritis directly causes ongoing acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If you notice…
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Can a Cold or the Flu Cause Heartburn?
A cold or the flu may coincide with heartburn or make existing acid reflux symptoms more noticeable, but there is limited evidence that respiratory infections directly cause acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Changes in eating habits, time spent lying down, vomiting, or certain medicines taken during illness may help explain why heartburn appears…
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Psyllium for Acid Reflux: Can It Help GERD Symptoms?
Psyllium may help reduce acid reflux symptoms in some people, but the evidence is still limited. A small clinical study found improvements in heartburn and reflux episodes after psyllium supplementation. More recent research has also explored its use alongside medication for throat-related reflux. However, psyllium is not an established treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).…
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How GERD Affects Mental Health and Quality of Life
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is associated with lower health-related quality of life and with higher levels of anxiety, depressive symptoms, sleep problems, and limitations in everyday functioning. That does not mean GERD directly causes anxiety or depression. Much of the evidence comes from observational studies, which can identify associations but cannot determine which problem came…
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Do Probiotics Help GERD? What the Evidence Shows
Do probiotics help GERD? Recent trials suggest some may improve symptoms when used with standard treatment, but they are not a replacement for GERD medication.
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GERD and Aging: Adjusting Management Strategies Over Time
At its core, GERD occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)—the muscular valve between the esophagus and the stomach—fails to close properly. This failure permits acidic gastric contents to leak into the esophagus, leading to irritation and inflammation. GERD is not just a nuisance; it can significantly impair quality of life and, over time, may…
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Adapting to Lifestyle Changes: Maintaining Motivation for GERD Management
GERD occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) fails to close properly, allowing stomach acid and partially digested food to flow back into the esophagus. This reflux irritates the delicate lining of the esophagus, leading to the hallmark symptoms of heartburn and regurgitation. Over time, the persistent exposure to acid can result in complications such…
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Living with GERD: Essential Tips for Long-Term Management
GERD occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus—the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach—leading to irritation and inflammation of the esophageal lining. The most common symptoms include: Heartburn: A burning sensation in the chest, often after eating. Regurgitation: A sour or bitter taste in the mouth, caused by acid backing…
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Safest Acid Reflux Medication: Which Is Right for You?
There is no single safest acid reflux medication for everyone. The best choice depends on how often you have heartburn, your health, other medicines you take, and how long you need treatment. For occasional heartburn, an antacid may be enough. For symptoms that need relief lasting several hours, an H2 blocker such as famotidine may…