Facebook Pixel
Q: 

Could my symptoms be a direct result of anxiety/stress?

By December 22, 2009 - 11:44am
 
Rate This

Over the past 18 months I have been thro quite a stressful time which culminated in a distressing episode in May 2009. After this episode I began to feel unwell with indigestion which then led onto acid reflux type type symptoms. An endoscopy only showed slight acid reflux and I've also had an ultra sound scan which ruled out gall bladder problems. I've also had blood tests and my liver function is normal and I am not suffering from h-pylori. My doctor thinks that this is all stress / anxiety related and has put me on anti-depressants which have helped as I began to get very upset about how I was feeling. I still get burning in my mouth and chest to a lesser or greater extent after anything I eat and drink but it is not something I get a night. Sometimes the discomfort travels to my back (between my shoulder blades) and I can have spells of belching. In the morning I feel ok and it worsens as the day goes on. At times I have wondered whether Burning Mouth Syndrome could be part of the problem. I'm really at a loss as to what to do to relieve these symptoms as they can be really unpleasant and distressing.

Add a Comment1 Comments

Your symptoms include:
- indigestion
- acid reflux type symptoms (specifically, what are these symptoms you are experiencing?)
- burning in my mouth and chest after eating
- discomfort travels to my back (between my shoulder blades)
- spells of belching
- worse during day

These symptoms are different than the "Burning Mouth Syndrome" that you are concerned about, as your description seems to be concentrated primarily in your "gut" (indigestion, belching, back/chest pain):
- chronic burning pain in your mouth. The pain from burning mouth syndrome may affect your tongue, gums, lips, inside of your cheeks, roof of your mouth, or widespread areas of your whole mouth

So, let's start back at square one with just looking at your symptoms and not finding a diagnosis at this point, as it sounds like you have all of the information you need.

You are experiencing these unpleasant and distressing symptoms, and have had the necessary tests conducted to rule out a medical condition associated with your gall bladder and liver. That's great that you were proactive!

It sounds like you did have some slight acid reflux signs show up on your tests, as well as your previous extreme stress and a stressful episode this year. There are quite a few options that you have:
1. Psychological distress concern: you stated that the anti-depressants are working, but not enough. Since you are considering that these symptoms may be a direct result of stress/anxiety, have you also considered following-up on this instinct to meet with a Psychologist or other Mental Health Provider? Anti-depressants alone may not be enough, and stress, anxiety, depression...these are all very powerful medical conditions that can produce the physical symptoms you are reporting.
2. Physical concern of Acid Reflux: Since this was found to be slight in your case, I am wondering if the symptoms are being compounded with your stress and anxiety, where the medical test may show it as "slight", but you are feeling the symptoms as very painful and distressing. If this is the case, you may want to follow-up with your doctor about possible acid reflux remedies (here is some information/tips on preventing/lessening acid reflux: Mayo Clinic: Acid Reflux, GERD, Heartburn, and additionally follow-up with a mental health provider to treat your anxiety.

Acid Reflux and Anxiety are often conditions that occur simultaneously, so your doctor may be on the right path. You can read more about this at EmpowHER's page: Acid Reflux and Anxiety Attacks

Please let us know if you need any assistance in finding a credible Psychologist!

December 22, 2009 - 1:48pm
Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
By submitting this form, you agree to EmpowHER's terms of service and privacy policy
Add a Comment

All user-generated information on this site is the opinion of its author only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. Members and guests are responsible for their own posts and the potential consequences of those posts detailed in our Terms of Service.

Heartburn (GERD)

Get Email Updates

Related Checklists

Heartburn (GERD) Guide

Have a question? We're here to help. Ask the Community.

ASK

Health Newsletter

Receive the latest and greatest in women's health and wellness from EmpowHER - for free!