Straining to pass a bowel movement may trigger acid reflux symptoms.
Constipation and acid reflux may have similar causes in the body.
Plus, medications used to treat acid reflux may make constipation worse.
PeopleImages / Getty Images
Treating constipation may help with the symptoms of acid reflux.
Some studies show that constipation andacid refluxorGERD(chronic reflux) may be related.
Prilosec is often used to treat GERD, while psyllium fiber treats constipation.
Both treatments worked effectively to relieve GERD symptoms.
The study authors say that GERD and constipation may have related causes and underlying mechanisms.
GERD and some forms of constipation are considered motility disorders.
Treating constipation can help relieve GERD and prevent it from recurring.
Another study surveyed 10,000 people in Japan to look for overlapping GERD and constipation occurrences.
Both drug classes are prescribed for GERD.
They work by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach.
Of all participants, between 6% and 59% had GERD and constipation together.
The range is wide because varying medical guidelines were used to diagnose constipation in the participants.
Drugs for GERD that reduce the production of stomach acid may inhibit the drugs used to move the bowels.
This could lead to constipation or a worsening of constipation.
Do Acid Reflux Drugs Cause Constipation?
Normal Bowel and Esophagus Function
Theesophagus(food tube) runs between the mouth and the stomach.
There are two circular muscles at each end, which are called the upper and the lower esophageal sphincters.
When the lower esophageal sphincter is weakened, stomach acid may come up into the esophagus.
The acid isn’t supposed to be in the esophagus.
This causes the symptoms of acid reflux and could become chronic, causing GERD.
Bowel movements vary widely from person to person.
In general, constipation is thought of as having fewer than one bowel movement every three days.
Going days between bowel movements can also result in harder stools.
Passing them can become more difficult, which leads to straining.
Constipation can be related to problems with the pelvic floor muscles and nerves.
This might be diagnosed asdyssynergic defecation,which can be challenging to diagnose and treat.
Talk to a healthcare provider about which may be safest for you.
It might go away on its own.
It might or might not need treatment, depending on how uncomfortable or disruptive it is.
One of the first steps in preventing acid reflux is making changes to diet.
Because some foods can cause the lower esophageal sphincter to loosen, avoiding them should help.
GERD may be treated with prescription-strength H2 blockers or PPIs, as well as diet and lifestyle changes.
In severe cases,surgerymay be needed.
Risks of Straining While Constipated
Straining to pass a bowel movement has the potential to cause complications.
Bowel movements should not require straining or bearing down; they should pass easily.
Getting areferralto a healthcare provider that treats digestive diseasesagastroenterologistcan be helpful.
Start by contacting your insurance carrier.
There should be a number and a website address on the insurance card.
This could be done over a video call or even over the phone.
Summary
GERD and constipation can occur together if the digestive system is malfunctioning as it should.
The stomach and intestines may move food too slowly.
Treatments for GERD could also lead to constipation in some people.
Treating constipation may help reduce the symptoms of GERD.
Lifestyle and dietary changes and over-the-counter drugs are available to manage and prevent both conditions.
See a healthcare provider if these problems are not resolved or if they occur frequently.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Constipation.
doi:10.1177/2515690X18763294
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.Motility disorders.
2022;117(1):27-56. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000001538
DailyMed.Famotidine tablet, film coated.
Lynch KL.Overview of the esophagus.
Merck Manual Consumer Version.
Gotfried J.Constipation in adults.
Merck Manual Consumer Version.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.About pelvic floor disorders (PFDs).
International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.Dyssynergic defecation: about a common cause of chronic constipation.
LeWine HE.Laxatives: what to know about choosing the right one.
Harvard Health Publishing.9 at-home treatments for acid reflux.
Food and Drug Administration.Over-the-counter (OTC) heartburn treatment.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatments for GER and GERD.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Constipation: causes and prevention tips.
2020;222(6):590.e1-590.e8.
doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2019.11.1256
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.Minor rectal bleeding.
