Diarrhea and heartburn are two gastrointestinal symptoms. People with certain gastrointestinal disorders are more likely than others to experience both heartburn and diarrhea.
One cause of chronic heartburn is a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Additionally, people who frequently experience diarrhea may have a condition called irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS causes changes in bowel habits, including diarrhea.
There are several connections between gastroesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome that explain why diarrhea and heartburn occur.
Learn about the relationship between diarrhea and heartburn, symptoms, causes, treatments, and more.
IBS is
However, not all GERDs work. In some cases, an underlying acid reflux disorder may be the cause. If the test shows no evidence of an abnormality, it is considered dysfunctional.
Functional gastrointestinal disorders are not caused by physical changes in the gastrointestinal tract. Instead, changes occur in the way the brain and digestive system communicate. The intestines of people with functional gastrointestinal disorders are more sensitive to changes than other people.
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If someone has one symptom, they are more likely to have another. People with IBS: 4 times Gastroesophageal reflux disease is also likely to be present.
Heartburn can cause pain or a burning sensation in the chest. It occurs when stomach acid moves into the esophagus. Some people may experience a sour or bitter taste in the back of their throat. Some regurgitation is normal, but too much can cause problems.
Diarrhea is when your stools are very soft or watery. You may also experience cramps and abdominal pain. Definitions of diarrhea vary by experts and researchers, but in most cases diarrhea is considered to be loose or watery stools that occur several times a day.
Learn more about diarrhea and heartburn symptoms.
There are several types of diarrhea
However, it can also become chronic. Causes of chronic diarrhea include:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Lactose intolerance or another food allergy or intolerance
- drug side effects
- IBS
IBS is a digestive disorder that can cause abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and changes in bowel habits.
Heartburn can be short-term or chronic. Heartburn can occur if you eat a large meal or go too close to bedtime. If your heartburn recurs, your doctor may diagnose gastroesophageal reflux disease.
One symptom does not necessarily cause the other. Diarrhea and heartburn may exist as separate symptoms with distinct causes. There may also be some overlap in these symptoms and the conditions that cause them.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is usually considered a condition that affects the upper gastrointestinal tract, while IBS affects the lower gastrointestinal tract. There is interest in how these two conditions are actually caused by similar changes in the gastrointestinal tract.
a Study from 2019 investigated how the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) as part of heartburn management may influence the development of IBS.
PPIs change the amount of acid produced in the stomach and can help manage heartburn. However, changes in stomach acidity can increase the risk of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). SIBO patients often experience her IBS-type symptoms, such as diarrhea.
This study showed that treating SIBO improves IBS-like symptoms.
There are various treatments available for both diarrhea and heartburn. The treatment used depends on the frequency and severity of symptoms.
Some people may decide to wait it out if they experience occasional heartburn or diarrhea. Medications are also available to suppress symptoms if needed.
If your symptoms occur frequently, you may want to try the following:
- dietary changes
- stress management
- medicine
medicines used for heartburn
- antacids
- sucralfate
- histamine-2 receptor agonist
- PPI
Strategies that may help prevent both diarrhea and heartburn include:
- eat on a regular schedule
- Eat small, frequent meals rather than several large meals
- Eat slowly and chew thoroughly
- Limit caffeine intake from coffee, tea, energy drinks, and chocolate sauce
- avoid or limit spicy foods
- Avoid or limit high-fat foods
- find ways to deal with stress
- Avoid tight or close-fitting clothing
- After the last meal of the day, lie down with your head elevated.
Learn more about treatments for heartburn and diarrhea.
If you can’t manage your diarrhea or heartburn with lifestyle changes, it’s wise to consult your doctor.
Tests may be done to find out more about the cause of your symptoms. This provides detailed information on how best to manage it.
Diarrhea and heartburn are gastrointestinal symptoms that most people experience at least once.
It can also become chronic. If you experience frequent heartburn, you may be diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease. Ongoing diarrhea may be part of irritable bowel syndrome.
GERD and IBS are both functional gastrointestinal diseases. People with IBS are more likely to develop gastroesophageal reflux disease than people without IBS.