IBS and Acid Reflux: What’s the Connection?

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IBS and Acid Reflux

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that affects the large intestine, or colon. Symptoms usually include abdominal pain, cramps, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and gas. Other symptoms of IBS may include urgent bowel movements or the feeling of incomplete evacuation.

The bowel muscles that are responsible for moving food through the intestinal tract may contract more forcefully or more irregularly in patients with IBS. This pushes food through the system abnormally. If waste material moves too fast it can cause diarrhea. If it moves too slow it can cause constipation.

Although it may make you uncomfortable, IBS doesn’t cause inflammation, nor will it permanently damage the colon.

Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) is a disease that may cause significant damage to the tissues and cells of the esophagus over time. It’s the chronic form of acid reflux.

GERD occurs when stomach acids back up into the esophagus due to a poor-functioning lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES is a band of muscle that acts as a valve between the esophagus and the stomach.

The main symptom of both acid reflux and GERD is frequent heartburn. Other symptoms may include burning in the throat or a sour liquid taste in back of the mouth.

While occasional acid reflux is normal, GERD symptoms are persistent and typically require treatment to relieve symptoms such as coughing, sore throat, and difficulty swallowing.

IBS is classified as a functional disorder. This is a condition in which symptoms are real, but physiological causes aren’t easily identifiable. Although the causes of IBS are unknown, it’s frequently exacerbated by stress.

IBS also often accompanies GERD. This dual presentation suggests that the two conditions may share common disease mechanisms, but these are not well understood.

One mechanism may be poor muscle function of the intestinal tract. Some experts suspect there may be an incoordination of the muscles that line the esophagus, stomach, and intestines, contributing to symptoms of both IBS and acid reflux.

Another observation is that individuals with both IBS and GERD report more sleep difficulties and more episodes of abdominal pain than people who just have IBS or GERD alone.

However, IBS is a complicated condition and less well-understood than GERD. Experts believe there are a variety of individual, intestinal, and environmental factors that contribute to IBS. This makes the relationship between GERD and IBS even more complicated.

Different stimuli may trigger IBS symptoms in different people. For instance, in one person things like intestinal infection or medication may cause symptoms, while other people may react to certain foods or stress.

Women are more likely than men to suffer from IBS. Often, women will find that IBS symptoms are worse during menstruation. This has led researchers to believe that hormones may play a role in the development of IBS.

Perhaps not surprisingly, IBS and acid reflux are often triggered by the same kinds of foods. Those suffering from one or both conditions may find relief by avoiding the following:

• alcoholic beverages
• caffeinated beverages, such as coffee
• carbonated beverages, such as colas
• chocolate
• citrus fruits
• fatty and fried foods
• garlic and onions
• spicy foods
• tomato-based foods, such as pizza and spaghetti sauces
• certain sugars like high fructose corn syrup and lactose
• certain sugar alcohols like sorbitol and xylitol

If trigger foods include dairy products such as milk, cheese, or ice cream, the problem may be lactose intolerance, not IBS. People who have cramping or bloating after only eating dairy products should stop eating these foods for a period of two weeks to see if symptoms subside. If symptoms subside after avoiding dairy, speak with your doctor about the possibility of lactose intolerance. If other non-lactose foods in addition to dairy aggravate your symptoms, you are more likely to have IBS.

While medications may provide relief in many cases, the preferred treatment for most people suffering from both acid reflux and IBS is lifestyle and dietary modification.

In addition to avoiding certain foods, people with IBS or GERD may find relief by losing weight, quitting smoking, and learning stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing, exercise, or yoga.

Although lifestyle and dietary changes can benefit many people with IBS, if you have GERD symptoms as well, certain medications may help:

• Proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole, are the drugs of choice for GERD sufferers.
• Antacids may be enough to relieve symptoms for people with occasional mild acid reflux.
• Anti-gas medications like simethicone (Gas-X) can work for occasional gas, bloating, and indigestion.

Buy antacids now.

Medications that focus on the management of IBS vary greatly depending on whether the main symptoms are constipation, diarrhea, or both. Your doctor can help guide your treatment.

If you have symptoms of GERD, IBS, or other intestinal problems, see your doctor for a thorough exam. Depending on your symptoms, you will likely need evaluation and testing to determine your diagnosis and which treatment options are best for you.

IBS and Acid Reflux: What’s the Connection?

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

IBS and Acid Reflux

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that affects the large intestine, or colon. Symptoms usually include abdominal pain, cramps, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and gas. Other symptoms of IBS may include urgent bowel movements or the feeling of incomplete evacuation.

The bowel muscles that are responsible for moving food through the intestinal tract may contract more forcefully or more irregularly in patients with IBS. This pushes food through the system abnormally. If waste material moves too fast it can cause diarrhea. If it moves too slow it can cause constipation.

Although it may make you uncomfortable, IBS doesn’t cause inflammation, nor will it permanently damage the colon.

Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) is a disease that may cause significant damage to the tissues and cells of the esophagus over time. It’s the chronic form of acid reflux.

GERD occurs when stomach acids back up into the esophagus due to a poor-functioning lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES is a band of muscle that acts as a valve between the esophagus and the stomach.

The main symptom of both acid reflux and GERD is frequent heartburn. Other symptoms may include burning in the throat or a sour liquid taste in back of the mouth.

While occasional acid reflux is normal, GERD symptoms are persistent and typically require treatment to relieve symptoms such as coughing, sore throat, and difficulty swallowing.

IBS is classified as a functional disorder. This is a condition in which symptoms are real, but physiological causes aren’t easily identifiable. Although the causes of IBS are unknown, it’s frequently exacerbated by stress.

IBS also often accompanies GERD. This dual presentation suggests that the two conditions may share common disease mechanisms, but these are not well understood.

One mechanism may be poor muscle function of the intestinal tract. Some experts suspect there may be an incoordination of the muscles that line the esophagus, stomach, and intestines, contributing to symptoms of both IBS and acid reflux.

Another observation is that individuals with both IBS and GERD report more sleep difficulties and more episodes of abdominal pain than people who just have IBS or GERD alone.

However, IBS is a complicated condition and less well-understood than GERD. Experts believe there are a variety of individual, intestinal, and environmental factors that contribute to IBS. This makes the relationship between GERD and IBS even more complicated.

Different stimuli may trigger IBS symptoms in different people. For instance, in one person things like intestinal infection or medication may cause symptoms, while other people may react to certain foods or stress.

Women are more likely than men to suffer from IBS. Often, women will find that IBS symptoms are worse during menstruation. This has led researchers to believe that hormones may play a role in the development of IBS.

Perhaps not surprisingly, IBS and acid reflux are often triggered by the same kinds of foods. Those suffering from one or both conditions may find relief by avoiding the following:

• alcoholic beverages
• caffeinated beverages, such as coffee
• carbonated beverages, such as colas
• chocolate
• citrus fruits
• fatty and fried foods
• garlic and onions
• spicy foods
• tomato-based foods, such as pizza and spaghetti sauces
• certain sugars like high fructose corn syrup and lactose
• certain sugar alcohols like sorbitol and xylitol

If trigger foods include dairy products such as milk, cheese, or ice cream, the problem may be lactose intolerance, not IBS. People who have cramping or bloating after only eating dairy products should stop eating these foods for a period of two weeks to see if symptoms subside. If symptoms subside after avoiding dairy, speak with your doctor about the possibility of lactose intolerance. If other non-lactose foods in addition to dairy aggravate your symptoms, you are more likely to have IBS.

While medications may provide relief in many cases, the preferred treatment for most people suffering from both acid reflux and IBS is lifestyle and dietary modification.

In addition to avoiding certain foods, people with IBS or GERD may find relief by losing weight, quitting smoking, and learning stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing, exercise, or yoga.

Although lifestyle and dietary changes can benefit many people with IBS, if you have GERD symptoms as well, certain medications may help:

• Proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole, are the drugs of choice for GERD sufferers.
• Antacids may be enough to relieve symptoms for people with occasional mild acid reflux.
• Anti-gas medications like simethicone (Gas-X) can work for occasional gas, bloating, and indigestion.

Buy antacids now.

Medications that focus on the management of IBS vary greatly depending on whether the main symptoms are constipation, diarrhea, or both. Your doctor can help guide your treatment.

If you have symptoms of GERD, IBS, or other intestinal problems, see your doctor for a thorough exam. Depending on your symptoms, you will likely need evaluation and testing to determine your diagnosis and which treatment options are best for you.

Heartburn after birthday turned out to be a sign of a heart attack in a patient

04/13/2022 at 09:30

Society

Subject: Ask the Doctor

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Under the guise of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, diseases of completely different organs and systems are often hidden. Including those that require emergency care And how the doctor is able to conduct differential diagnosis, sometimes depends not only on health, but also on the life of the patient. For example, heartburn is a feeling of discomfort or burning in the upper abdomen and behind the breastbone, along the esophagus. Heartburn is caused by acidic stomach contents entering the esophagus. However, the problem is that burning behind the sternum can also occur with coronary heart disease.

Photo: Natalia Muschinkina

Dinara Renatovna Galimova, a gastroenterologist at the Open Clinic on Prospekt Mira, shares with readers recent examples from her practice.

— A 45-year-old man came to see me with complaints of heartburn, which bothered him for several hours. He associated the appearance of heartburn with a hearty dinner with friends in honor of the birthday of one of them. According to him, he had heartburn before, but its episodes were short-lived. He did not go to the doctor about this, he took soda on his own in order, in his words, to “quench the acid in the stomach.”

That day he also took soda, but the heartburn did not go away – on the contrary, it became excruciating and was accompanied by the appearance of pressing and squeezing, burning sensations behind the sternum. Therefore, the man decided to apply for an appointment with a gastroenterologist.

After talking with the patient, I urgently sent him for an electrocardiogram of the heart, the results of which revealed myocardial infarction. The man was rushed to the hospital.

The burning sensation behind the sternum, which he took for heartburn, was not caused by the reflux of acid into the stomach, but by a violation of the blood circulation of the heart.

So, how to clinically distinguish a disease of the gastrointestinal tract from a cardiovascular pathology. Yes, heartburn is the main symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and it can be very difficult to distinguish the clinical manifestations of GERD from coronary heart disease (CHD), especially since the diseases can be combined with each other.

But still there are a number of features.

First, if the burning behind the sternum is caused by the reflux of contents into the esophagus, taking any antacid (in this situation, soda) will reduce it. With coronary artery disease, burning will decrease only under the influence of nitrates.

Second, GERD symptoms are more likely to occur when lying down or bending over, especially when the person has eaten. And with coronary artery disease – after physical exertion or emotional overstrain.

In addition, with IHD, burning can spread to the left arm, shoulder, under the shoulder blade and lower jaw.

The patient I am talking about had a pressing burning sensation behind the sternum, which did not decrease, but only became more painful. And in such cases, the patient should always be referred to the cardiogram, because a heart attack can be hidden under the mask of GERD.

If heartburn and burning in the chest occur more than twice a week, especially if the episodes increase in intensity, this is a reason to consult a doctor.

As for GERD, today it is a very “popular” disease, equally common among men and women. According to statistics, they suffer from 20 to 40% of the inhabitants of the earth. Unfortunately, we are increasingly encountering this pathology in children.

In addition to heartburn, GERD can be indicated by chest pain (especially when eating rough food), cough, hoarseness, dry throat, digestive disorders (pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting), sharp pain in the throat, discomfort in the pit of the stomach, pressure that appears half an hour after a meal and is aggravated by the use of spicy, fatty, fried, alcoholic, sour fruit juices.

The disease is not at all harmless: it can lead to the development of gastritis, ulcers and even cancer of the esophagus. GERD develops due to the long-term entry of acidic stomach contents into the esophagus (scientifically called reflux). In other words, semi-digested food ends up where it should not normally be at all. And the esophageal sphincter is called to prevent her from going there. However, sometimes this protective barrier refuses to work. This is facilitated by bad habits (strong friendship with the green snake and nicotine), obesity, eating fatty foods. Reflux disease often develops in coffee lovers, as well as due to the intake of a number of drugs (for example, antidepressants or antispasmodics). Another reason is an unbalanced diet. In addition, people who are often in a state of nervous strain are susceptible to GERD. It is impossible not to take into account the harmful effect of pathogens on the work of the gastrointestinal tract, and in particular – Helicobacter pylori.

GERD is often a symptom of gastritis or stomach ulcers. In the chronic stage of the disease, erosions (microscopic cracks), narrowing of the esophagus, and even cancer of the esophagus can develop.

In any case, if you have alarming symptoms, see a doctor! Only he can determine their cause and help you.

■ ■ ■

Our dear readers! We wish you good health, good mood, active and fruitful summer season. We are waiting for your letters to the editor at [email protected] and we will be in touch!

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Authors:

• Arina Petrova

“Open clinic”

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Ischemic heart disease (IHD) – diagnosis and treatment at the Family Doctor clinic in Moscow

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Coronary heart disease (CHD) annually kills more than 10 million people worldwide, therefore it is considered one of the main causes of death. It affects people starting from 25-30 years old, more often – men.

Ischemia – insufficient supply of blood to the heart muscle.

The heart is constantly contracting and relaxing, continuously supplying blood to all organs and tissues, including it nourishes itself by pushing blood into the coronary vessels, a developed network of which entangles the entire heart muscle. If the patency of these arteries is impaired, the heart cannot actively contract. If the blood stops flowing to some part of the heart completely, it becomes dead – a myocardial infarction occurs, which in half of the cases ends in the death of the patient.

Chronic pathology develops more often. With age, especially with the participation of adverse factors, atherosclerotic plaques begin to form in the vessels. These plaques also appear in the coronary arteries. They gradually impede the passage of blood, the delivery of oxygen to the myocardium is reduced. At the beginning of the disease, a person does not feel any symptoms, with progression, angina pectoris pains appear.

Reasons

The main reason: difficulty in the movement of blood through the coronary vessels. In 97% of cases, the presence of cholesterol plaques leads to this. Other causes include coronary spasm and increased blood viscosity. In coronary heart disease, the diagnosis necessarily takes into account risk factors, since this largely determines the tactics of treatment.

Table 1. Risk factors

Chronic ischemic heart disease: symptoms

For a long time, IHD proceeds without manifestations. Over time, symptoms appear, but people rarely relate them to the heart. For example, heartburn can be determined, which is mistaken for the pathology of the stomach. Or shortness of breath on exertion, which a person, especially a smoker, identifies as pulmonary. A little later, there is discomfort and pain in the chest, radiating to the right arm, shoulder blade, and even to the right side of the jaw, back, and neck. Pain and discomfort develop with physical exertion, and disappear during rest. Often IHD debuts with an attack of heart pain.

Manifestations that may indicate cardiac ischemia:

• pain, heaviness in the chest;

• discomfort in the region of the heart;

• attacks of strong heartbeats;

• feeling that the heart skips beats;

• difficulty breathing when climbing stairs;

• weakness, sweating;

• rapid loss of performance;

• fatigue from usual activities;

• physical fatigue;

• edema;

• bouts of unreasonable anxiety;

• pre-fainting and fainting states.

Classification

Table 2. IHD Forms

IHD complications

Heart attack. Death of a part of the heart muscle after blockage of the supply vessel due to rupture of a cholesterol plaque or overlapping by a thrombus. The main symptom is chest pain that is not relieved by nitroglycerin. The patient needs emergency help, without it he will die in the next few hours.

Coronary death. The condition is characterized by sudden cardiac arrest. The patient needs emergency resuscitation.

Development of CHF – chronic heart failure. The pumping function of the heart weakens. Blood stagnates in organs and tissues, which is manifested by a variety of symptoms. The progression of the disease inevitably leads to the death of the patient.

Diagnosis of coronary heart disease

• Questioning to collect anamnesis.

• Examination by a cardiologist, listening to heart sounds.

• ECG. First, a standard study is carried out. If more accurate diagnosis is needed, an ECG with stress tests is done.

• EchoCG. A conventional ultrasound of the heart is performed, with visualization of the blood flow, as well as with stress tests.

• 24 hour Holter monitoring. ECG recording for 24 hours without interruption.

• Coronary angiography. To verify the diagnosis.

Ischemic heart disease. Treatment

It consists of basic recommendations on diet and nutrition, conservative and surgical treatment.

Table 3. Medications for CHD

Other medicines are also used: nitroglycerin to get rid of acute pain with vasospasm, symptomatic remedies.

Ischemic heart disease: non-drug therapy

Diet. Exclusion of alcohol, restriction of animal fats and trans fats, increase in the proportion of plant foods, fiber.

Therapeutic exercise. Special exercises strengthen the myocardium, make the heart more resilient. Particularly useful are walking for 2 hours a day and swimming at least three times a week.

Ischemic disease. Surgical treatment

Assign with the ineffectiveness of drug therapy.

Angioplasty. The diseased vessel is expanded with an inflatable balloon. To increase efficiency and prevent recurrence, a stent is installed in the artery – a special metal tube that prevents the walls of the artery from falling off. The operation is performed by endoscopic method.

Coronary artery bypass grafting. Done when angioplasty has failed. In this case, the affected area is bypassed with a shunt – a vascular prosthesis. This is an open surgery, therefore it is used less often than angioplasty.

Forecast

IHD is a serious disease with a poor prognosis without prompt medical attention. Every tenth patient dies from cardiac arrest, every second develops a myocardial infarction, while only half of the patients survive. Therefore, if coronary heart disease is suspected, a thorough examination is carried out, and treatment is selected. The patient must strictly follow the recommendations of the cardiologist to reduce the risks.

Prevention

It is believed that 90% of heart and vascular disease can be prevented by eliminating controllable risk factors.

Necessary:

• move more, perform available physical exercises;

• make sure that the weight is normal;

• keep normal blood pressure;

• eat right to prevent high cholesterol levels;

• give up nicotine and alcohol;

• avoid stress factors or work them out with a psychotherapist;

• regularly undergo medical examination, do an ECG.

Dispensary observation

With an established diagnosis of coronary artery disease, a person should be attentive to his health, timely, twice a year, come for preventive examinations, even if the medicines are well chosen and nothing bothers. The fact is that the adaptive capabilities of the body are high, deterioration develops slowly. In order to prevent a catastrophe, periodic monitoring is needed.

During the examination, the cardiologist will listen to the heart, make an ECG, and compare it with previous studies. Look at biochemical blood tests, usually cholesterol and lipoproteins.

Based on the data received, the doctor will leave the previous treatment regimen or change it, which will prevent the development of complications.

Treatment of coronary heart disease in the clinic “Family Doctor”

In case of discomfort in the region of the heart, we invite you to undergo a complete examination of the cardiovascular system in order to rule out coronary artery disease. If the diagnosis is already established, an experienced cardiologist at our clinic will develop a treatment plan that will help the patient live a long, fulfilling life. The Department of Cardiology is equipped with expert class diagnostic equipment. Studies are carried out quickly, they are distinguished by high accuracy of results and comfort for the client.

You can sign up for a consultation with a cardiologist and an examination by calling the contact center in Moscow +7 (495) 775 75 66, through the online appointment form or by contacting the clinic’s receptionist.

Popular questions

Is it possible to recover from coronary heart disease?

This is a chronic disease that cannot be completely eliminated. However, medicine today helps patients cope with the disease, take it under control. Conservative and surgical treatment, while maintaining a diet and physical activity, significantly prolong the period of normal life and minimize the risk of complications. Patients are observed by a cardiologist, undergo maintenance therapy in a timely manner and can live without noticing their illness.

At what age does IHD appear?

Coronary disease is common nowadays. Its symptoms are recorded even in young people from 25 years old. There are three main reasons for this.

1. A sedentary lifestyle, when a person spends most of his time sitting.
2. Unhealthy diet with a predominance of trans fats, fast carbohydrates, fats of animal origin, adherence to fast food.
3. Excess weight, which is the result of a sedentary lifestyle and malnutrition.

How long can a person with coronary heart disease live?

According to statistics, after the diagnosis of IHD, a person, on average, if he does not change anything in his life and is not treated, lives for about 5 years. However, modern medicine provides enough opportunities to live much longer. Modern drugs, endoscopic medicine prevent the development of sudden cardiac arrest and myocardial infarction.