Does Wellbutrin cause heartburn? – AskYourPharm

By Ask Your Pharm

Page last updated: 07/09/2023 |



Next review date: 07/09/2025

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The AskYourPharm editorial team is made up of pharmacists and clinical nutritionists. Each article is written by a team member with exposure to and experience in the subject matter.  The article then gets reviewed by a more senior editorial member. This is someone with extensive knowledge of the subject matter and highly cited published material.

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Does Wellbutrin cause heartburn?

Wellbutrin may cause heartburn in some individuals. Although it is not that common with Wellbutrin, people do report heartburn every now and then. 

This side effect is more common in people who are new to Wellbutrin or antidepressants in general, and it does begin to subside as your body adjusts to it. 

If your heartburn with Wellbutrin gets severe, or you already have ulcers in your stomach or you suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), reach out to your healthcare provider as soon as you can. 

The incidence of heartburn with Wellbutrin 

The incidence of heartburn with Wellbutrin varies among individuals, and research on this specific side effect is limited. The exact mechanism by which Wellbutrin may contribute to heartburn is not fully understood (1,2).

It is believed that Wellbutrin can affect the gastrointestinal tract, including the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is a muscle that helps prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. Disruption of the LES function can lead to acid reflux and heartburn symptoms.

It’s important to note that many factors can contribute to heartburn, including lifestyle choices, diet, and underlying medical conditions. It’s possible that some individuals may experience heartburn coincidentally while taking Wellbutrin, but the medication may not be the direct cause.

What to do if Wellbutrin causes heartburn? 

Wellbutrin-induced heartburn is usually not a concerning side effect and it starts to go away as your body adjusts to this antidepressant. However, you can try some things to reduce the symptoms and find some relief. Let’s look at a few important tips. 

• Take an OTC acid reducer, like Omeprazole early in the morning on an empty stomach for a few days until your body adjusts to Wellbutrin. 
• Do not take Wellbutrin on an empty stomach. If yours is a morning dose, take it in between your breakfast.
• Avoid trigger foods, like heavy foods in general or overly spicy foods.
• Do not drink coffee excessively while taking Wellbutrin
• Drink plenty of water.  
• Take Probiotics to improve your stomach health. 

If your heartburn on Wellbutrin is severe or is paired with other unbearable side effects, reach out to your healthcare provider. Wellbutrin is overall a well-tolerated antidepressant, but it may not suit everyone. 

If Wellbutrin is not the right choice of antidepressant for you, your doctor may switch you to another one. Make sure you don’t stop using Wellbutrin without your doctor’s approval. 

References 

1. Huecker MR, Smiley A, Saadabadi A. Bupropion. 2023 Apr 9. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29262173. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470212 

2. Oliva V, Lippi M, Paci R, Del Fabro L, Delvecchio G, Brambilla P, De Ronchi D, Fanelli G, Serretti A. Gastrointestinal side effects associated with antidepressant treatments in patients with major depressive disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2021 Jul 13;109:110266. doi: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2021.110266. Epub 2021 Feb 5. PMID: 33549697. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33549697/ 

What They Are, How to Manage Them

If you have depression, your doctor might suggest Wellbutrin as a treatment option. It’s a prescription drug used in adults to:

• treat major depressive disorder (MDD)
• help prevent seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

Wellbutrin comes as both an extended-release (XL) tablet and sustained-release (SR) tablet, both of which you swallow.

For treating MDD, your doctor may prescribe Wellbutrin SR or Wellbutrin XL long term. For helping to prevent SAD, your doctor may prescribe Wellbutrin XL for short-term periods. For example, you may only need to take the drug during the winter to help prevent SAD.

The active ingredient in Wellbutrin is bupropion. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.)

Throughout this article, the term “Wellbutrin” refers to both forms of the drug. For more information about Wellbutrin, including details about its uses, see this in-depth article.

Like other drugs, Wellbutrin can cause mild to serious side effects. Knowing its possible side effects can help you and your doctor decide whether Wellbutrin is right for you. Keep reading to learn more.

Some people may experience mild to serious side effects while taking Wellbutrin. A few examples of the drug’s commonly reported side effects include:

• dry mouth
• insomnia (trouble sleeping)
• dizziness
• sore throat
• digestive side effects, including constipation and nausea*

Your doctor may recommend Wellbutrin if the benefits of treatment outweigh the risks of side effects. Keep reading to learn about other possible mild and serious side effects of this drug.

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

Wellbutrin may cause mild side effects. Examples of mild side effects that have been reported with Wellbutrin include:

• dry mouth
• insomnia (trouble sleeping)
• dizziness
• sore throat
• agitation
• belly pain
• weight loss
• tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• tremor
• heart palpitations
• muscle pain
• sweating
• skin rash
• frequent need to urinate
• digestive side effects, including constipation and nausea*
• headache*
• weight gain*
• changes in libido (sex drive)*
• mild allergic reaction*

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

In most cases, these side effects are temporary. And some may be easily managed. But if you have symptoms that are ongoing or bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not stop taking Wellbutrin unless your doctor recommends it. Stopping this drug suddenly could cause your depression to return or worsen.

This drug may cause mild side effects other than those listed above. See the prescribing information for Wellbutrin SR and Wellbutrin XL for details.

While rare, Wellbutrin may cause serious side effects. Serious side effects that have been reported with this drug include:

• seizure
• high blood pressure
• severe mental health conditions
• risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors*
• severe allergic reaction^†

If you develop serious side effects while taking Wellbutrin, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

* Wellbutrin SR and Wellbutrin XL have a boxed warning for this side effect. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Side effects explained” section below.
† To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

Note: After the FDA approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Wellbutrin, visit MedWatch.

Get answers to some frequently asked questions about Wellbutrin’s side effects.

Can Wellbutrin XL and Wellbutrin SR cause different side effects?

No, Wellbutrin XL and Wellbutrin SR shouldn’t cause different side effects. This is because both forms of the drug have the same active ingredient, which is bupropion. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work).

But studies of people taking Wellbutrin XL for seasonal affective disorder (SAD) have reported flatulence, which wasn’t reported in studies of Wellbutrin SR.

If my dose of Wellbutrin is increased from 150 mg to 300 mg, will I experience more side effects?

Yes, certain side effects of Wellbutrin are dose dependent. This means they’re more likely to happen if your dose is increased by your doctor from 150 milligrams (mg) to 300 mg.

In studies, rates of side effects were higher when Wellbutrin’s dose was increased from 150 mg to 300 mg. Examples include:

• belly pain
• heart palpitations
• headache
• dry mouth

Also, if your doctor increases your dose of Wellbutrin too fast, your risk of seizure is increased. Your doctor will slowly increase your dose and limit it to the maximum dose to help prevent seizures.

If you’re concerned you might have more side effects with an increased dose of Wellbutrin, talk with your doctor. And never adjust your dosage without your doctor’s recommendation.

Can Wellbutrin cause long-term side effects?

Yes, Wellbutrin can cause long-term side effects. The most severe long-term side effect is suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The drug has a boxed warning for this side effect, which is the most severe drug warning issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

If you have suicidal thoughts or behaviors with Wellbutrin, your doctor will have you stop taking it. But your risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors may continue after you stop taking the drug.

For more information about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

Other long-term side effects of Wellbutrin include new or worsening mental health problems. Examples of mental health problems that may continue after stopping this drug include hallucinations, paranoia, and confusion. These side effects may resolve after your doctor lowers your dose or stops your treatment.

If you’re concerned about long-term side effects of Wellbutrin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Will I experience withdrawal symptoms if I stop taking Wellbutrin?

It’s not known whether you’ll have withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking Wellbutrin. (Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can happen when you stop taking a drug that your body is used to having.) Withdrawal symptoms weren’t reported in the drug’s studies.

But it’s important that you do not stop taking Wellbutrin suddenly or without your doctor’s recommendation, as this can worsen your depression. If your doctor decides you should stop taking this drug, they’ll likely lower your dose slowly. This can help prevent withdrawal symptoms. But, in some situations (for example, if you have a severe side effect), your doctor may have you stop Wellbutrin suddenly.

If you’re concerned about withdrawal symptoms from stopping this drug, talk with your doctor.

Are hair loss or anger possible side effects of Wellbutrin?

Hair loss wasn’t reported in studies of Wellbutrin. If you’re concerned about hair loss while taking this drug, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Anger is a possible side effect of Wellbutrin. It can happen if you try to stop smoking while taking the drug, and may be caused by nicotine withdrawal. And some people report severe mental health changes when stopping smoking while taking Wellbutrin.

Sometimes, anger may develop into aggression, hostility, or agitation. If you’re concerned about anger while taking Wellbutrin, talk with your doctor.

What are the overdose symptoms of Wellbutrin?

Overdose symptoms of Wellbutrin can be severe. In studies, some people who have taken too much of the drug in a short amount of time have had seizures. Other overdose symptoms of Wellbutrin include:

• hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t really there)
• fainting
• mental health changes
• overactive reflexes
• fast heart rate
• irregular heart rhythm

In the most severe situations, overdose of Wellbutrin can cause death. If you think you’ve taken too much Wellbutrin, call your doctor. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or go to the closest emergency room.

Learn more about some of the side effects Wellbutrin may cause.

Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors

Wellbutrin has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Studies have shown that antidepressant drugs can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain people. Children, adolescents, and young adults ages 18 to 24 years had the highest risk compared with older age groups. Wellbutrin is not prescribed for people younger than 18 years old.

The increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors was not seen in people older than age 24 years. And studies showed a drop in this risk in people ages 65 years and above.

People with major depressive disorder (MDD) may have worse depressive symptoms or suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Symptoms to report to your doctor include:

• thoughts about dying
• attempts to commit suicide, which is a medical emergency
• new or worsened depression, anxiety, or panic
• feelings of anger, restlessness, or irritability
• insomnia (trouble sleeping)

Suicidal thoughts and behaviors can also be a symptom of depression. Your doctor can help you figure out whether your medication, your condition, or both are causing suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

What might help

While taking Wellbutrin, your doctor will check for signs or symptoms of suicidal thoughts or behaviors. If you have suicidal thoughts or behaviors or any symptoms of worsening depression, call your doctor immediately.

If Wellbutrin is causing these side effects or isn’t working to treat your depression, your doctor may have you stop taking it. In this case, they’ll likely switch you to a different medication.

Help is out there

If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

• Call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
• Text HOME to the Crisis Textline at 741741.
• Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
• Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.

If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.

If you are not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.

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Weight gain

Changes in weight can occur with Wellbutrin. In the drug’s studies, participants experienced both weight gain and weight loss, but weight loss was more common. Changes in weight can also be a symptom of depression. If this drug isn’t helping to treat your depression, these symptoms may continue.

What might help

If you gain or lose unwanted weight while taking Wellbutrin, talk with your doctor. They’ll evaluate whether the drug is helping your depression. When necessary, they may recommend changing your medication to better treat your depression and help prevent unwanted weight changes. They can also help you develop an exercise and nutrition plan to reach or maintain a weight that’s healthy for you.

Changes in libido (sex drive)

Changes in libido (sex drive) was a rare side effect of Wellbutrin in studies. Wellbutrin is one of the few antidepressants that doesn’t usually cause sexual side effects.

One possible symptom of MDD and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a change in libido or sex drive. So doctors may not be able to say for certain whether a change in your libido is due to Wellbutrin or depression.

What might help

Talk with your doctor about any changes in libido that you have with Wellbutrin. They can help you figure out whether the drug is causing this side effect. If Wellbutrin is causing a libido change, or if it’s not working to treat your depression, your doctor may change your medication. Once your antidepressant is working, your sex drive may improve.

Digestive side effects, including constipation and nausea

Digestive side effects can happen with Wellbutrin. In studies, constipation and nausea were common side effects that occurred when starting this drug. But these side effects are usually mild. Nausea is more likely if you’re taking a higher dose of Wellbutrin.

What might help

To help prevent nausea, some people take Wellbutrin with food.

To help relieve constipation, your doctor might recommend certain lifestyle changes. For example, exercising regularly and increasing your fiber and water intake during the day can help. Your doctor might also recommend using an over-the-counter (OTC) laxative such as MiraLAX (polyethylene glycol 3350) to help you have a bowel movement.

If your digestive side effects are bothersome, talk with your doctor. Your doctor can help you manage digestive side effects.

Headache

Headache was a common side effect of Wellbutrin in studies. This can be a mild side effect that resolves over time. But some people may experience migraine with this drug.

Headache and migraine may sometimes be a result of high blood pressure, which is a serious possible side effect of Wellbutrin.

What might help

For temporary relief from headache pain when starting Wellbutrin, you can take an OTC pain relief medication. These include Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen). But if you have migraine episodes, talk with your doctor, as OTC drugs may not provide enough relief.

If your headaches don’t go away after taking Wellbutrin for a few days or if OTC medications don’t work, talk with your doctor. They may check whether you have high blood pressure, since headache can be a symptom of this serious side effect.

Allergic reaction

Like most drugs, Wellbutrin can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Symptoms can be mild to serious and can include:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
• hives
• painful sores in the mouth or around the eyes
• chest pain
• trouble breathing
• swelling under your skin, usually in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
• swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
• muscle pain
• fever with a rash
• serum sickness-like symptoms, which is an immune response similar to a delayed allergic reaction

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms. Examples include:

• an antihistamine you swallow, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
• a product you apply to your skin, such as hydrocortisone cream

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a mild allergic reaction to Wellbutrin, they’ll decide whether you should continue taking it.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Wellbutrin, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

Keeping track of side effects

During your Wellbutrin treatment, consider taking notes on any side effects you’re having. You can then share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful when you first start taking a new drug or using a combination of treatments.

Your side effect notes can include things such as:

• what dose of the drug you were taking when you had the side effect
• how soon you had the side effect after starting that dose
• what your symptoms were
• how your symptoms affected your daily activities
• what other medications you were taking
• any other information you feel is important (such as quitting smoking or stopping other drugs or substances)

Keeping notes and sharing them with your doctor will help them learn more about how Wellbutrin affects you. They can then use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed.

Wellbutrin may not be safe for everyone with depression. Your doctor will help you decide whether it’s the right treatment for your condition.

Boxed warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors

Wellbutrin has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Antidepressants such as Wellbutrin may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. In studies, this increased risk was seen in children, adolescents, and young adults. It was not seen in people ages 24 years and older. Wellbutrin is not prescribed for people younger than 18 years old.

Regardless of your age, your doctor will monitor you for new or worsening suicidal thoughts or behaviors while you’re taking Wellbutrin. For details, see the “Side effects explained” section above.

Other warnings

Wellbutrin may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions. This is known as a drug-condition interaction. Other factors may also affect whether this drug is a good treatment option for you. Talk with your doctor about your health history before starting Wellbutrin. Factors to consider include those described below.

Current or past eating disorder. If you’ve ever been diagnosed with anorexia or bulimia, your doctor will likely not prescribe Wellbutrin for you. Studies have shown a higher rate of seizures in people with these conditions who were taking Wellbutrin. Wellbutrin may also cause weight changes, which could make your eating disorder worse.

Seizure disorder. Your doctor will likely not prescribe Wellbutrin for you if you have a seizure disorder or other factors that increase your risk of a seizure. These include severe head injury or a brain tumor. Before starting Wellbutrin, talk with your doctor about factors, conditions, and drugs that could increase your risk of seizure.

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Wellbutrin or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe it for you. Ask them about other medications that might be better options.

Liver problems. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of Wellbutrin if you have liver problems. These include alcohol-related liver disease or liver failure. To find out the severity of your liver problems, your doctor may order a liver function test. Then they’ll determine your Wellbutrin dosage accordingly.

Kidney problems. If your kidneys aren’t functioning effectively, your doctor will likely order kidney function tests. Based on the results of these tests, they may prescribe a lower dosage of Wellbutrin for you. This can mean taking a lower dose every day or taking a usual dose every other day.

Glaucoma. If you have closed-angle glaucoma, Wellbutrin can cause a severe reaction in your eyes called a closed-angle attack. This causes severe pain or pressure in the eye. You may also have blurry vision, nausea, and vomiting. A closed-angle attack is a medical emergency. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Mental health conditions. Tell your doctor if you have a mental health condition, such as anxiety or bipolar disorder, before starting Wellbutrin. This drug can worsen certain mental health conditions. In studies, people with bipolar disorder who took Wellbutrin had an increased risk of having a manic episode.

Also, some drugs used to treat certain mental health conditions can be dangerous when taken together with Wellbutrin. For example, when taken with Wellbutrin, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) can cause severe high blood pressure.

Quitting smoking. Wellbutrin isn’t prescribed for quitting smoking. But another drug called Zyban, which has the same active ingredient* (bupropion), is prescribed for this purpose. Some people who have taken Wellbutrin while trying to stop smoking have developed new mental health conditions, including:

• depression
• mania (episodes of excessive excitement and high energy)
• hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t really there)
• panic

If you’re thinking about quitting smoking while taking Wellbutrin, tell your doctor. They’ll monitor you closely for mood changes.

* An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.

Stopping treatment with epilepsy drugs, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines. Stopping certain substances while taking Wellbutrin can cause seizures. You should not take Wellbutrin if you’ve stopped or will soon be stopping any of the following drugs:

• benzodiazepines such as Klonopin (clonazepam) and Ativan (lorazepam)
• barbiturates such as pentobarbital
• epilepsy drugs such as Tegretol (carbamazepine)

Alcohol and Wellbutrin

Doctors recommend that you minimize or avoid alcohol during treatment with Wellbutrin. If you want to drink alcohol while taking Wellbutrin, talk with your doctor first. They may ask you how often and how much alcohol you consume. And they’ll tell you how much, if any, is safe to drink with this drug.

Wellbutrin can cause seizures. And for those with alcohol use disorder, suddenly quitting drinking can also cause seizures. Due to this risk, you should not take Wellbutrin if you drink heavily or plan to stop drinking while taking it.

Studies show that some people have a lower tolerance to the effects of alcohol while taking Wellbutrin. And some people may have an increased risk of mood problems when drinking alcohol during treatment with Wellbutrin.

If you have alcohol-related liver disease, your doctor may need to adjust your dose of Wellbutrin. Tell them if you have any liver problems before starting this drug.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Wellbutrin

It’s important to understand the risks and benefits of taking antidepressants during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Pregnancy

Studies of pregnant people taking Wellbutrin in their first trimester of pregnancy didn’t show an increased risk of problems with fetal development (commonly known as birth defects). But untreated depression has many risks during pregnancy, including stillbirth, low birth weight, and preterm birth.

A pregnancy registry exists for people to report side effects of antidepressants taken during pregnancy. Consider enrolling in the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants by calling 844-405-6185 or visiting the website. Reporting effects of Wellbutrin during pregnancy helps researchers to better understand the drug’s risks when taken during this time.

Breastfeeding

Bupropion (the active ingredient* in Wellbutrin) was found in the breast milk of nursing people who were taking the drug in studies. But data on the effects of Wellbutrin in breast milk is lacking. And no clear side effects in children who are breastfed by someone taking Wellbutrin have been reported.

If you’re breastfeeding or considering breastfeeding your child while taking Wellbutrin, talk with your doctor first. They can help you decide whether the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh any possible risks to your child. Or they can suggest a different treatment for your condition.

* An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.

Mild side effects are common with Wellbutrin. But not everyone will experience side effects from this drug. Your doctor will monitor you for signs and symptoms of severe side effects. Your doctor will likely do a full review of your medical history to be sure Wellbutrin is safe for you.

Some questions you might want to ask them about Wellbutrin’s side effects include:

• How can I safely stop taking Ativan (lorazepam) while taking Wellbutrin?
• Can I drive while taking Wellbutrin?
• Are females* more at risk of changes in libido (sex drive) with Wellbutrin than males?*
• How can I safely stop smoking while taking Wellbutrin?
• Can Wellbutrin make me feel “high”?

* In this article, we use the terms “male” and “female” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.

If you’re concerned about side effects of Wellbutrin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

To learn more about Wellbutrin, see these articles:

• Wellbutrin (bupropion hydrochloride)
• Wellbutrin Interactions: Alcohol, Medications, and Others

To get information on different conditions and tips for improving your health, subscribe to any of Healthline’s newsletters. You may also want to check out the online communities at Bezzy. It’s a place where people with certain conditions can find support and connect with others.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

Treatment of acid reflux (GERD) in Krasnodar

• General
• Causes
• Symptoms
• When a doctor is needed
• Diagnosis and treatment

Gastroesis ophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid often backs up into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). This release of acid (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of the esophagus.

Many of us experience this unpleasant state from time to time. GERD refers to mild acid reflux that occurs at least twice a week and moderate or severe acid reflux that occurs at least once a week.

Many people can manage the discomfort of GERD with a healthy lifestyle and over-the-counter medications. But some people with GERD may need stronger medications or surgery to relieve symptoms.

When you swallow, the round muscle band around the lower esophagus (lower esophageal sphincter) relaxes, allowing food and fluid to flow into the stomach. The sphincter then closes again.

If the sphincter relaxes or weakens abnormally, stomach acid can back up into your esophagus. This constant acid flush irritates the lining of the esophagus, often causing inflammation.

Risk factors.

• Overweight.
• A bulge of the upper abdomen up into the diaphragm (hernia of the esophagus).
• Connective tissue diseases such as scleroderma.
• Delayed gastric emptying.
• Pregnancy.

• Eating smoked meats.
• Large or late meal.
• Eating fatty or fried foods.
• Drinking certain drinks, such as alcohol or coffee.
• Taking certain medications, such as aspirin.

Complications of GERD.

• Narrowing of the esophagus (esophageal stricture) . Damage to the lower esophagus by stomach acid leads to the formation of scar tissue. Scar tissue narrows the digestive tract, which in turn leads to problems with swallowing.
• An open sore in the esophagus (esophageal ulcer). Stomach acid can thin the tissues of the esophagus, causing an open sore. An esophageal ulcer can bleed, cause pain, and make swallowing difficult.
• Eating fatty or fried foods.
• Consumption of certain beverages such as alcohol or coffee.
• Taking certain medications such as aspirin.

• A burning sensation in the chest (heartburn), usually after eating, which may get worse at night.
• Regurgitation (reverse flow) of food or acidic fluid.
• Sensation of a lump in the throat.
• Difficulties with swallowing.
• Chest pain.

• Chronic cough.
• Laryngitis.
• The appearance of asthmatic phenomena or worsening of the condition with existing asthma.
• Sleep disorders.

Get medical help right away if you have chest pain, especially if you also have shortness of breath or pain in your jaw or arm. These could be symptoms of a heart attack.

• Experiencing severe or frequent symptoms of acid reflux (GERD).
• Take over-the-counter heartburn medications more than twice a week.

Your doctor can diagnose acid reflux (GERD) based on a physical exam and your medical history.

To confirm (deny) the diagnosis of “acid reflux“ or to check for complications, your doctor may recommend:

• Upper endoscopy. An endoscopist inserts a thin, flexible tube equipped with a light and a camera (endoscope) down the throat to examine the esophagus and stomach. Test results may be normal with reflux, but endoscopy may reveal inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis) or other complications. An endoscopy may also be used to collect a tissue sample (biopsy) to check for complications such as Barrett’s esophagus.
• Ambulatory acid (pH) test . A monitor is placed in your esophagus to determine when and for how long stomach acid is spewing out there. The monitor connects to a small computer that you wear around your waist or on a shoulder strap. The monitor may be a thin, flexible tube (catheter) that is threaded through your nose into your esophagus, or a capsule that is placed in your esophagus during an endoscopy and that passes into your stool about two days later.
• Esophageal manometry . This test measures the rhythmic contractions of the muscles of the esophagus during swallowing. Esophageal manometry also measures the coordination and strength of the muscles in the esophagus.
• X-ray of the upper part of the digestive system. X-rays are taken after you drink the chalky liquid that coats and fills the inner lining of your digestive tract. This allows your doctor to see the silhouette of your esophagus, stomach, and upper intestine. You may also be asked to swallow a barium tablet, which can help diagnose narrowing of the esophagus,
  which may interfere with swallowing.

Your doctor will probably recommend that you try lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medicines first. If you don’t feel relief within a few weeks, your doctor may recommend prescription medications or surgery.

• Fundoplication . The surgeon wraps the top of the stomach around the lower esophageal sphincter to tighten the muscles and prevent reflux. A fundoplication is usually performed using a minimally invasive (laparoscopic) procedure. Wrapping the upper abdomen can be partial or complete.
• Reflux monitoring system LINX . A ring of tiny magnetic beads is wrapped around the junction of the stomach and esophagus. The magnetic attraction between the balls is strong enough to keep the connection closed for acid reflux to occur, but weak enough to allow food to pass through. The Linx system can be implanted using minimally invasive surgery.

Lifestyle changes can help reduce acid reflux.

• Maintain a healthy weight . Extra pounds put pressure on the stomach, pushing it up and causing acid reflux into the esophagus.
• Quit smoking . Smoking reduces the ability of the lower esophageal sphincter to function properly.
• Raise the head of your bed . If you regularly experience heartburn while sleeping, place footrests under the legs of your bed so that the headboard is raised 10-12 centimeters. If you can’t raise your bed, you can insert a spacer between your mattress and box spring to change your body positions. Raising your head with extra pillows is not effective..
• Do not go to bed immediately after eating . Wait at least three hours after eating before lying down or going to bed.
• Eat food slowly and chew thoroughly . Put the fork down after each bite and pick it up again once you’ve chewed and swallowed that bite.
• Avoid foods and drinks that cause reflux . Common triggers include fatty or fried foods, tomato sauce, alcohol, chocolate, mint, garlic, onions, and caffeine.
• Avoid tight-fitting clothing . Clothing that is tight around the waist puts pressure on the abdomen and lower esophageal sphincter.

Reply

Recommendations for regurgitation in infants – gastroesophageal reflux (GER) GER). It occurs when the contents of the baby’s stomach enter the esophagus during or after eating.

Reflux is typical for most babies: it appears at the 2nd week of life and reaches a peak by 4-5 months. Most often, babies who spit up are healthy, but even a single case can cause concern for parents. Fortunately, most children outgrow reflux by 12 to 18 months of age. This period can be stressful and requires patience.

Symptoms

Sometimes reflux can be accompanied by unpleasant symptoms and complications. This condition is called gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. Symptoms of GERD include:

• cough and wheezing
• gagging
• back arching
• poor weight gain
• restless behavior or refusal to feed
• sleep disorders
• wheezing

What causes reflux?

A newborn’s diet consists of liquids (breast milk, formula), and therefore the contents of the stomach can easily pass into the esophagus. Moreover, up to 6 months, the baby’s esophagus has a short length, which contributes to easy regurgitation of liquid food. Also, regurgitation is due to the fact that infants do not have a strong enough lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES is a ring of muscles that opens when food enters the stomach and then closes to prevent the contents from escaping back into the esophagus. But sometimes the esophageal sphincter can spontaneously open, which leads to the reflux of undigested food, that is, reflux.

How can a child with reflux sleep safely?

There are many myths and misconceptions about sleep in GER. We suggest you use the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines:

• Sleep on your back . Such sleep reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome and is preferable until the child learns to roll over. Therefore, children with reflux should also sleep on their backs
• Sleep on a flat hard surface . The use of special pillows and reclining beds increases the risk of suffocation. Babies should sleep exclusively on a flat surface, while the crib should be free of soft bumpers, pillows, toys and other foreign objects
• Sleep without gadgets .