Can SIBO Cause GERD? How SIBO and Acid Reflux Are Related
Heartburn sufferers know that we’ll do just about anything to find relief when it hits. The common remedies for heartburn and acid reflux abound, from drinking baking soda in water to popping antacids.
But if you’re a frequent sufferer of heartburn (also known as GERD), do you ever wonder how it might be related to other digestive problems? Likewise, if you’ve also experienced symptoms of SIBO, you might wonder, can SIBO cause GERD? Are the two conditions related?
Here’s what you should know about the correlation between SIBO and GERD.
What is GERD?
GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease. It’s a common condition marked by a burning sensation in your chest and upper digestive tract. Some people experience a dull ache, while others experience a sharper pain. It may be accompanied by burping that feels non-productive, almost like there’s something stuck in your esophagus that you can’t quite get up.
What’s really happening is stomach acid is creeping back into your esophagus. This experience is also called acid reflux. When it occurs, it can irritate the sensitive lining in your esophageal tract, resulting in the pain and discomfort you feel.
Nearly everyone experiences heartburn now and then. But when it happens over and over, it can cause GERD—an inflammation of the gastroesophageal lining due to reflux. So, how do you know if your acid reflux and heartburn have progressed to GERD? You may experience symptoms almost daily.
Symptoms of GERD include:
- Chest, stomach, and abdominal pain
- Burping or sour-tasting regurgitation
- Problems with swallowing or the feeling that there’s a lump in your throat
- Coughing
- Pain that increases at night
What causes GERD? GERD can be the result of many different things. Risk factors for GERD include pregnancy, obesity, Hiatal hernias, and other disorders that may affect the stomach and tissues.
GERD may be triggered and aggravated by big meals, fried or high-fat foods, medications, stress, and certain drinks like coffee, juice, or alcohol. Some people find a correlation between GERD and acidic foods. People who smoke may experience more acid reflux as well.
It’s important not to ignore GERD as it can lead to other issues. If you’ve had acid reflux for a week or two, you likely need to reach out to a doctor.
The inflammation of the tissue from acid reflux can lead to ulceration of the esophagus. Scar tissue could build up in your esophageal tract, and damage from GERD can even lead to an increased risk of cancer. While medication can offer temporary relief, it often doesn’t address the root cause of acid reflux. It’s essential to check with a doctor, especially if you’ve been taking acid-reducing medication for longer than two weeks.
What is SIBO?
SIBO stands for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, and it is caused by just that—too many bacteria and an imbalance of bacteria in the gut. While SIBO and acid reflux may not seem related initially, they can present similar uncomfortable symptoms.
We all have bacteria in our gut (and throughout our bodies). Bacteria break down food and help us digest it. They move waste throughout the body and are essential to our immune system. They help destroy cells that could otherwise cause disease and even give us vitamins. Bacteria even help to rid the body of toxins.
But when bacteria get out of balance, they can cause problems. In the digestive tract, it can lead to an array of uncomfortable symptoms.
Symptoms of SIBO include:
- Bloating and gas
- Diarrhea and sometimes constipation
- Pain and discomfort
- Nausea
- Feelings of indigestion
- A sense of fullness or a general loss of appetite
- Tiredness and weakness
As you can see, the symptoms of SIBO and GERD differ but, in some cases, can cause similar discomfort, especially stomach pain. SIBO and chest pain aren’t typically related, nor are SIBO and acid reflux, but when your stomach hurts, it’s sometimes hard to figure out where the pain comes from. SIBO occurs because food isn’t moving through your system quickly. Because it backs up, bacteria multiply quickly and start to cause discomfort and worse.
So why does SIBO occur? Age can play a factor in SIBO risk. Older adults are more likely to experience SIBO because their digestive systems tend to move a little slower. Gastric bypass surgery can play a role in SIBO occurrence. Scar tissue or injury can also lead to SIBO. Bowel and GI tract blockages can cause SIBO, and anatomical anomalies can also be a factor.
People with comorbidities like lupus, HIV, diabetes, or ulcerative colitis may also experience SIBO. In addition, medications can contribute to SIBO, including narcotics, antibiotics, and proton pump inhibitors.
The Connection Between SIBO and GERD
So, can SIBO cause GERD? Although both SIBO and GERD affect the digestive tract, it may initially seem strange that the two conditions could be linked. After all, SIBO is mainly an issue in the intestines, and GERD primarily affects the esophagus.
Researchers have theorized that it’s all about pressure. Does SIBO cause GERD? Not directly, but the gas that builds up in the small intestines due to SIBO causes a chain reaction by increasing pressure in the stomach. When the stomach feels the pressure, it’s more likely to cause reflux and regurgitation of acid into the esophagus, resulting in heartburn pain, eventually leading to GERD.
The other correlation between SIBO and GERD is that doctors often prescribe proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to treat GERD. Many people even self-treat the condition with PPIs they purchase over the counter. However, PPIs can reduce stomach acid, which can cause an overgrowth of bacteria that leads to SIBO.
Researchers are still studying the connection between these SIBO and GERD, but the findings thus far have been interesting. They offer additional treatment options and help to get to the root cause of digestive concerns.
So, what is the answer? Did SIBO cause GERD (or vice-versa), or are the two issues making each other worse? More importantly, how do you fix both SIBO and GERD?
How Do You Treat Both SIBO and GERD?
The best treatment course starts with the correct diagnosis of either or both conditions. For doctors to make a measured treatment plan, they need all of the digestive puzzle pieces to start taking appropriate steps to get your system back on track.
Treatment often involves diet adjustment, avoiding certain foods, and finding other ways to address both conditions without causing the patient too much discomfort during treatment. In addition, doctors may make other suggestions to help you get the right balance of bacteria in your system while simultaneously addressing your acid reflux. It may include a multipronged approach—sleeping in different positions, adjusting your diet, pinpointing trigger foods, and allowing time for the body to heal the digestive tract.
Candidly discuss your digestive issues with your medical professional. It can be embarrassing, and some of us may feel a little shy about sharing our stomach troubles with our doctor, but pain and discomfort aren’t something you need to accept or live with (and most medical professionals have heard it ALL).
Take steps to see if SIBO could be contributing to your digestive woes. QuinTron offers a simple, non-invasive breath test that you can complete at home or in the office. Once the test is complete, we can share the results with you and your doctor so that you can decide on the best course of action. It’s important to realize that you aren’t alone if you’re experiencing the symptoms of SIBO or GERD. There are ways to find relief. Digestive issues are often puzzling, and there are many factors to consider, but the best course is always to get as much information as possible. At QuinTron, we’re here to help you get to the root cause of your digestive discomfort so you can get back on track.