Which gastrointestinal condition might be exacerbated by stress and anxiety?

Stress and anxiety are known to have a significant impact on gastrointestinal health, and both gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and peptic ulcers can be exacerbated by emotional factors.

In the case of GERD, stress can lead to increased acid production in the stomach and affect the functioning of the lower esophageal sphincter. This can result in heightened symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and discomfort.

For peptic ulcers, stress is believed to influence the ulceration process by affecting the body’s production of stomach acid and reducing the production of protective mucus in the gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, stress may lead to behaviors such as smoking or unhealthy eating, which can further aggravate ulcer symptoms.

Both conditions share a connection to stress and anxiety, making the answer that includes both GERD and peptic ulcers accurate in acknowledging this relationship.