Can stress cause GERD?

    Written by:
    Gabrielle Fundaro, Brady Holmer

    Fact-checked

    by:

    Morgan Pfiffner, Shyam Jayaraman
    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    Although a direct assocation between stress and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has not been established, studies indicate that individuals with GERD often report high levels of stress, particularly related to job demands and strain. Stress may increase sensitivity to acid rather than causing more acid production, which leads to heightened perception of GERD symptoms.

    A direct link between stress and GERD has not been established, however, studies have reported that among individuals with GERD, a feeling of continued stress was the most common reported lifestyle factor.[1] A high risk for GERD symptoms is also found among individuals reporting high job demands and job strain and low job control.[2]

    Whether stress “causes” GERD is unknown. It has been suggested that, rather than stress causing more acid production, stress and anxiety may make individuals more sensitive to acid, causing them to perceive GERD symptoms as more painful.[3][4]