Digestive issues such as heartburn and nausea may stem from various factors:
Heartburn and nausea are common complaints that many people experience, and they can be particularly prevalent in pregnant individuals due to fluctuating hormones affecting the muscle that keeps food in the stomach. However, these symptoms can also be caused by various other factors, as we will explore in this article.
One of the most common causes of heartburn and nausea is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). This condition occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn, and can also lead to nausea due to the discomfort and irritation of the esophagus. Symptoms tend to worsen with triggers such as lying down, bending over, or consuming specific foods and drinks.
Stress and anxiety are another common culprit. Stress can increase stomach acid production and slow down digestion, leading to heartburn. It can also make individuals more sensitive to pain, exacerbating symptoms. Anxiety can further contribute to nausea, creating a vicious cycle where stress worsens heartburn, which in turn increases stress levels.
Dietary factors also play a significant role. Consuming spicy, fatty, or acidic foods can trigger both heartburn and nausea. These foods can irritate the stomach lining and relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing acid to reflux into the esophagus.
Functional Dyspepsia (FD), characterized by indigestion and discomfort in the upper abdomen, can sometimes coexist with symptoms of heartburn and nausea. It involves a complex interplay between gastrointestinal motility and central nervous system dysfunctions.
Other conditions, such as food poisoning or gastrointestinal infections, can also cause both heartburn and nausea due to inflammation or irritation of the stomach lining.
Maintaining a healthy diet, managing stress, and avoiding triggers can help alleviate these symptoms. If symptoms persist, seeking medical attention is advisable to rule out underlying conditions.
Gastritis, a condition characterized by inflammation or swelling of the stomach lining, is another potential cause of heartburn and nausea. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and damage to the stomach lining are possible causes of gastritis.
Indigestion, a group of gut-related symptoms that can include feelings of fullness, bloating, burping, and gas, is also closely linked to heartburn and nausea. Antacids can help manage infrequent bouts of indigestion at home, as they neutralize stomach acid.
While frequent bouts of heartburn and nausea can be a sign of stomach cancer, this is rare and more likely to be due to a virus or ulcer. Alkaline electrolyzed water may help reduce heartburn for some people. Proton pump inhibitors, such as esomeprazole and lansoprazole, are effective at treating heartburn and are available over the counter or with a prescription.
Anyone experiencing symptoms such as black, tar-like stool, vomiting blood, difficult or painful swallowing, frequent vomiting, unexplained weight loss, pain in the chest, jaw, neck, or arm, severe, constant pain in the stomach, shortness of breath, sweating, yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice), should seek immediate medical attention.
Indigestion affects around people in the United States every year, making it a common health concern. Discover more home remedies and lifestyle tips for managing heartburn in our next article.
- Multiple medical conditions can cause heartburn and nausea, like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), stress, anxiety, and indigestion.
- Heartburn and nausea may occur in pregnant individuals due to fluctuating hormones affecting the muscle that keeps food in the stomach, but they can also be symptoms of various other diseases.
- Typically, GERD happens when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and potentially nausea due to discomfort and irritation.
- Stress can increase stomach acid production and slow down digestion, leading to heartburn, and making individuals more sensitive to pain, exacerbating symptoms.
- Anxiety can further contribute to nausea, creating a vicious cycle where stress worsens heartburn, which in turn increases stress levels.
- Functional Dyspepsia (FD) may coexist with symptoms of heartburn and nausea, as it involves a complex interplay between gastrointestinal motility and central nervous system dysfunctions.
- Stomach cancer is a rare but possible cause of frequent heartburn and nausea, but it's more likely to be due to a virus or ulcer.
- Consuming spicy, fatty, or acidic foods can trigger heartburn and nausea, as they can irritate the stomach lining and relax the lower esophageal sphincter.
- Gastritis, characterized by inflammation or swelling of the stomach lining, can be a potential cause of heartburn and nausea, with H. pylori infection and stomach lining damage as possible causes.
- Indigestion, a group of gut-related symptoms, is closely linked to heartburn and nausea, and can include feelings of fullness, bloating, burping, and gas.
- Antacids can help manage infrequent bouts of indigestion at home, as they neutralize stomach acid.
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as esomeprazole and lansoprazole, are effective at treating heartburn and are available over the counter or with a prescription.
- Any medical-condition causing inflammation or irritation of the stomach lining, like food poisoning or gastrointestinal infections, can cause both heartburn and nausea.
- Chronic diseases like ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, colitis, HIV, diabetes, lung diseases such as asthma or cancer, multiple sclerosis, and ulcerative sclerosis could potentially manifest with symptoms of heartburn and nausea.
- Cancer, migraines, and chronic kidney disease are other medical conditions that can coexist with symptoms of heartburn and nausea.
- Alternative treatments like alkaline electrolyzed water may help some people reduce heartburn symptoms, while nutrition, fitness and exercise, and wellness practices remain crucial for overall health.
- CBD and science are increasingly being explored for their potential role in managing chronic diseases, improving digestive health, and reducing nausea and vomiting.
