Beware of Worrying about Rising Stomach Acid, Here's What Doctors Say

JAKARTA - When anxious, some people experience symptoms such as chest pain, nausea, to a burning sensation in the chest. This condition can be a sign that there has been an increase in stomach acid in the midst of anxiety.

Medically, the condition of repeated stomach acid rises is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The relationship between anxiety and stomach acid is not as simple as cause and effect, but is two-way.

When someone experiences symptoms of acid reflux, it can trigger anxiety. However, on the other hand, anxiety can also aggravate symptoms of acid reflux.

"If you feel discomfort in your body, it can cause stress. And that stress can then worsen the physical condition that has already occurred," said gastrointestinal psychologist, Stephen Lupe, PsyD, quoted from Everyday Health, Friday, March 27, 2026.

Research also shows that anxiety or stress can make the muscles in the lower esophagus (lower esophageal sphincter) more relaxed. This makes stomach acid easier to rise into the esophagus and cause a burning sensation in the chest.

However, not everyone who feels high stomach acid actually has a medically diagnosed condition of GERD. There are also patients with anxiety who have normal test results, but still feel strong symptoms.

Gastroenterologist, Fernando Herbella, MD, said that the condition is related to the body's sensitivity to pain, known as reflux hypersensitivity. This is where a person experiences symptoms such as acid reflux, although medically there is no significant disorder.

"Patients with anxiety or depression show a higher sensitivity to pain sensations," said Fernando.

With the close relationship between anxiety and stomach acid, experts emphasize the importance of comprehensive treatment, not only focusing on the physical, but also on the mental.

"Interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness meditation, and relaxation techniques can help reduce the burden on the nervous system," he concluded.