Modern life can be stressful—deadlines, family obligations, and everyday challenges can take a toll on both your mind and body. But did you know that stress can also make physical conditions like acid reflux and allergies worse? At Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C., Dr. Ramie A. Tritt and our team help patients manage these conditions every day, and understanding the stress connection is a big part of the solution.
How Stress Affects Acid Reflux
Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), happens when stomach acid flows back into your esophagus, causing irritation and symptoms like heartburn, throat discomfort, and chronic cough.
While stress doesn’t directly cause acid reflux, it can worsen symptoms in several ways:
- Increased Acid Production: Stress may trigger your stomach to produce more acid.
- Slower Digestion: Stress hormones slow down digestion, making reflux more likely.
- Poor Eating Habits: Stress often leads to overeating or choosing trigger foods (spicy, fatty, or processed foods).
- Muscle Tension: Stress can tighten muscles—including the lower esophageal sphincter, the valve that keeps stomach contents from rising.
How Stress Impacts Allergies
Allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to harmless substances like pollen, dust, or pet dander. Stress doesn’t create new allergies, but it can make your immune system more reactive, causing:
- Stronger Allergy Responses: Stress increases histamine release, which worsens sneezing, itching, and congestion.
- Longer Recovery Time: Stress can slow healing, making allergic reactions last longer.
- Exacerbated Asthma Symptoms: For those with allergy-related asthma, stress may lead to more frequent flare-ups.
Breaking the Cycle: Stress, Reflux, and Allergies
When stress triggers reflux or allergies, and those symptoms disrupt sleep or daily life, stress often worsens—creating a vicious cycle. The key is to address both the physical and emotional factors.
Here are some practical tips:
- Manage Stress Daily: Deep breathing exercises, yoga, and mindfulness can reduce stress levels.
- Stick to a Healthy Diet: Avoid common reflux triggers like caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods.
- Practice Good Sleep Habits: Poor sleep increases stress and worsens symptoms.
- Seek Professional Help: If symptoms persist, it’s time to see an ENT specialist.
Relief for Acid Reflux and Allergies in Atlanta
At Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C., we offer advanced treatments for acid reflux, allergies, and related conditions—combined with lifestyle guidance for better symptom control.
Schedule an appointment today at one of our convenient locations:
Author
Ramie A. Tritt, MD
Ramie A. Tritt, MD, FRCSC, specializes in nasal and sinus surgery as well as snoring and sleep apnea surgery at Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C.’s Sandy Springs location in Atlanta, Georgia.
Dr. Tritt graduated from medical school with honors from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. He completed his otolaryngology residency at McGill University and his fellowship in otology and head and neck surgery at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, New York.
He is a diplomate of the American Board of Otolaryngology and a fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Dr. Tritt is a member of the Medical Association of Georgia and the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
Dr. Tritt has been an instructor at national ENT meetings, a Medical Advisory Board member for computer image-guided sinus surgery, and been recognized by Atlanta Magazine as a “Doctor Who Doctors Go To”.
