Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsLinkTreatmentsRisks of StrainingGetting a Referral

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Treatments

Risks of Straining

Getting a Referral

Because it’s possible to experience both conditions at the same time, people may wonder if constipation can cause acid reflux. Constipation and symptoms of acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (such as heartburn) may occur together. Straining to pass a bowel movement may trigger acid reflux symptoms.

Constipation and acid reflux may have similar causes in the body. The nerves and muscles in the digestive tract may not work properly, which could lead to GERD and/or constipation. Plus, medications used to treat acid reflux may make constipation worse. Treating constipation may help with the symptoms of acid reflux.

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A person holding their chest due to heartburn pain from acid reflux

Constipation is having fewer than three bowel movements weekly, and stool is often hard and difficult to pass.

Constipation could also lead to symptoms of acid reflux, heartburn, GER (gastroesophageal reflux), or GERD, as straining to pass a bowel movement places pressure on the abdomen, which is a trigger for reflux.

Some studies show that constipation andacid refluxorGERD(chronic reflux) may be related. One study compared the effectiveness ofPrilosec(omeprazole) andpsyllium fibersupplements on symptoms offunctional constipation(constipation without a specific cause) in people with GERD. Prilosec is often used to treat GERD, while psyllium fiber treats constipation.

Both treatments worked effectively to relieve GERD symptoms. The study authors say that GERD and constipation may have related causes and underlying mechanisms.

GERD and some forms of constipation are considered motility disorders. Meaning that problems with the nerves and muscles in the digestive system mean food and stool move through too slowly.

However, it was found that GERD symptoms did not return as often in those who took the psyllium fiber compared to those who took Prilosec.

The authors of this study quite strongly concluded that functional constipation (constipation without a known cause) is common when people are experiencing GERD symptoms. Treating constipation can help relieve GERD and prevent it from recurring.

The researchers found between 24% and 33% of people being treated with a PPI or a PCAB were also being treated for constipation. Of all participants, between 6% and 59% had GERD and constipation together. The range is wide because varying medical guidelines were used to diagnose constipation in the participants.

In this study, the authors put forth the idea that the drugs used to treat GERD may makelaxatives(drugs that promote defecation) less effective for constipation. Drugs for GERD that reduce the production of stomach acid may inhibit the drugs used to move the bowels. This could lead to constipation or a worsening of constipation.

Do Acid Reflux Drugs Cause Constipation?Many things can cause constipation, including a lack of fiber in the diet, not drinking enough fluids, a lack of physical activity or exercise, and some medications. Antacids (like Tums or Rolaids),PPIs,and the H2 blockers Pepcid (famotidine)and Axid (nizatidine),which are used to treat heartburn, may cause constipation as a side effect.This can mean that treating acid reflux, heartburn, or GERD with prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications could wind up causing constipation.

Do Acid Reflux Drugs Cause Constipation?

Many things can cause constipation, including a lack of fiber in the diet, not drinking enough fluids, a lack of physical activity or exercise, and some medications. Antacids (like Tums or Rolaids),PPIs,and the H2 blockers Pepcid (famotidine)and Axid (nizatidine),which are used to treat heartburn, may cause constipation as a side effect.This can mean that treating acid reflux, heartburn, or GERD with prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications could wind up causing constipation.

Many things can cause constipation, including a lack of fiber in the diet, not drinking enough fluids, a lack of physical activity or exercise, and some medications. Antacids (like Tums or Rolaids),PPIs,and the H2 blockers Pepcid (famotidine)and Axid (nizatidine),which are used to treat heartburn, may cause constipation as a side effect.

This can mean that treating acid reflux, heartburn, or GERD with prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications could wind up causing constipation.

Normal Bowel and Esophagus Function

Theesophagus(food tube) runs between the mouth and the stomach. There are two circular muscles at each end, which are called the upper and the lower esophageal sphincters. When it is working correctly, the lower sphincter stays closed to prevent stomach acid and food from coming back up into the esophagus.

When the lower esophageal sphincter is weakened, stomach acid may come up into the esophagus. The acid isn’t supposed to be in the esophagus. This causes the symptoms of acid reflux and could become chronic, causing GERD.

Bowel movements vary widely from person to person. Regular bowel movement is important because you don’t want to move the bowels too frequently (diarrhea) or too infrequently (constipation). In general, constipation is thought of as having fewer than one bowel movement every three days.

Going days between bowel movements can also result in harder stools. Passing them can become more difficult, which leads to straining. Not being able to have a bowel movement can also cause other symptoms, such as abdominal pain and discomfort.

The Role of the Pelvic FloorThe pelvic floor is a complex group of muscles located in the pelvis. The muscles involved include those associated with the bladder, urethra, intestines, rectum, prostate, cervix, vagina, and uterus. The pelvic floor also allows the bladder and the intestines to work properly in urination and defecation.People of all sexes have a pelvic floor.Constipation can be related to problems with the pelvic floor muscles and nerves. This might be diagnosed asdyssynergic defecation,which can be challenging to diagnose and treat. When constipation becomes chronic, it’s important to consider the pelvic floor’s role.Talk to a healthcare provider aboutpotential treatmentsfor pelvic floor issues.

The Role of the Pelvic Floor

The pelvic floor is a complex group of muscles located in the pelvis. The muscles involved include those associated with the bladder, urethra, intestines, rectum, prostate, cervix, vagina, and uterus. The pelvic floor also allows the bladder and the intestines to work properly in urination and defecation.People of all sexes have a pelvic floor.Constipation can be related to problems with the pelvic floor muscles and nerves. This might be diagnosed asdyssynergic defecation,which can be challenging to diagnose and treat. When constipation becomes chronic, it’s important to consider the pelvic floor’s role.Talk to a healthcare provider aboutpotential treatmentsfor pelvic floor issues.

The pelvic floor is a complex group of muscles located in the pelvis. The muscles involved include those associated with the bladder, urethra, intestines, rectum, prostate, cervix, vagina, and uterus. The pelvic floor also allows the bladder and the intestines to work properly in urination and defecation.People of all sexes have a pelvic floor.

Constipation can be related to problems with the pelvic floor muscles and nerves. This might be diagnosed asdyssynergic defecation,which can be challenging to diagnose and treat. When constipation becomes chronic, it’s important to consider the pelvic floor’s role.Talk to a healthcare provider aboutpotential treatmentsfor pelvic floor issues.

Treatments to Improve Constipation and Acid Reflux

Constipation isn’t always serious and does not always require treatment. It can improve on its own with lifestyle and dietary changes, including:

OTC medications and supplements might be used to treat or prevent constipation. Talk to a healthcare provider about which may be safest for you. If constipation is an ongoing problem, it’s important to see a healthcare provider to look for a long-term solution.

Some of the remedies that can be found in drug stores include:

People may experience acid reflux from time to time. It might go away on its own. It might or might not need treatment, depending on how uncomfortable or disruptive it is.

One of the first steps in preventing acid reflux is making changes to diet. Because some foods can cause the lower esophageal sphincter to loosen, avoiding them should help. Some of themost common foods that lead to refluxare:

OTC medications are also available to treat or prevent the symptoms of acid reflux:

Lifestyle changesmay help acid reflux, which generally are helpful and don’t pose many risks, such as:

Chronic acid reflux or GER is diagnosed as GERD. GERD may be treated with prescription-strength H2 blockers or PPIs, as well as diet and lifestyle changes. In severe cases,surgerymay be needed.

Risks of Straining While Constipated

Straining to pass a bowel movement has the potential to cause complications. Bowel movements should not require straining or bearing down; they should pass easily. Straining to pass hard stools could lead to these complications:

How to Get a Local GI Referral

For people who are experiencing GERD and constipation, it may become challenging to manage both with over-the-counter treatments and home remedies. Getting areferralto a healthcare provider that treats digestive diseases—agastroenterologist—can be helpful.

If a referral is needed, ask your regular healthcare provider, such as a family practitioner,primary care provider, or, in some cases, agynecologist. They will need to make the referral and contact the insurance carrier to ensure that the appointment with the gastroenterologist is covered.

If there are no gastroenterologists in your area, find out if it is possible to get a virtual (telehealth) appointment. This could be done over a video call or even over the phone. Getting the process started, even virtually, may be helpful, and a local healthcare provider can help coordinate any prescribed treatments.

Summary

GERD and constipation can occur together if the digestive system is not working as it should. The stomach and intestines may move food too slowly. Treatments for GERD could also lead to constipation in some people.

Treating constipation may help reduce the symptoms of GERD. Lifestyle and dietary changes and over-the-counter drugs are available to manage and prevent both conditions. See a healthcare provider if these problems are not resolved or if they occur frequently.

19 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Constipation.Hosseini M, Salari R, Akbari Rad M, Salehi M, Birjandi B, Salari M.Comparing the effect of psyllium seed on gastroesophageal reflux disease with oral omeprazole in patients with functional constipation.J Evid Based Integr Med. 2018;23:2515690X18763294. doi:10.1177/2515690X18763294Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.Motility disorders.Ogasawara N, Funaki Y, Kasugai K, et al.Overlap between constipation and gastroesophageal reflux disease in Japan: results from an internet survey.J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2022;28(2):291-302. doi:10.5056/jnm21065Katz PO, Dunbar KB, Schnoll-Sussman FH, Greer KB, Yadlapati R, Spechler SJ.ACG clinical guideline for the diagnosis and management of gastroesophageal reflux disease.Am J Gastroenterol. 2022;117(1):27-56. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000001538DailyMed.Famotidine tablet, film coated.DailyMed.Nizatidine capsule.Lynch KL.Overview of the esophagus. Merck Manual Consumer Version.Gotfried J.Constipation in adults. Merck Manual Consumer Version.Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.About pelvic floor disorders (PFDs).International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.Dyssynergic defecation: about a common cause of chronic constipation.LeWine HE.Laxatives: what to know about choosing the right one. Harvard Health Publishing.Harvard Health Publishing.9 at-home treatments for acid reflux.Food and Drug Administration.Over-the-counter (OTC) heartburn treatment.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatments for GER and GERD.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Constipation: causes and prevention tips.Andy UU, Jelovsek JE, Carper B, et al.Impact of treatment for fecal incontinence on constipation symptoms.Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2020;222(6):590.e1-590.e8. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2019.11.1256American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.Minor rectal bleeding.

19 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Constipation.Hosseini M, Salari R, Akbari Rad M, Salehi M, Birjandi B, Salari M.Comparing the effect of psyllium seed on gastroesophageal reflux disease with oral omeprazole in patients with functional constipation.J Evid Based Integr Med. 2018;23:2515690X18763294. doi:10.1177/2515690X18763294Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.Motility disorders.Ogasawara N, Funaki Y, Kasugai K, et al.Overlap between constipation and gastroesophageal reflux disease in Japan: results from an internet survey.J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2022;28(2):291-302. doi:10.5056/jnm21065Katz PO, Dunbar KB, Schnoll-Sussman FH, Greer KB, Yadlapati R, Spechler SJ.ACG clinical guideline for the diagnosis and management of gastroesophageal reflux disease.Am J Gastroenterol. 2022;117(1):27-56. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000001538DailyMed.Famotidine tablet, film coated.DailyMed.Nizatidine capsule.Lynch KL.Overview of the esophagus. Merck Manual Consumer Version.Gotfried J.Constipation in adults. Merck Manual Consumer Version.Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.About pelvic floor disorders (PFDs).International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.Dyssynergic defecation: about a common cause of chronic constipation.LeWine HE.Laxatives: what to know about choosing the right one. Harvard Health Publishing.Harvard Health Publishing.9 at-home treatments for acid reflux.Food and Drug Administration.Over-the-counter (OTC) heartburn treatment.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatments for GER and GERD.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Constipation: causes and prevention tips.Andy UU, Jelovsek JE, Carper B, et al.Impact of treatment for fecal incontinence on constipation symptoms.Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2020;222(6):590.e1-590.e8. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2019.11.1256American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.Minor rectal bleeding.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Constipation.Hosseini M, Salari R, Akbari Rad M, Salehi M, Birjandi B, Salari M.Comparing the effect of psyllium seed on gastroesophageal reflux disease with oral omeprazole in patients with functional constipation.J Evid Based Integr Med. 2018;23:2515690X18763294. doi:10.1177/2515690X18763294Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.Motility disorders.Ogasawara N, Funaki Y, Kasugai K, et al.Overlap between constipation and gastroesophageal reflux disease in Japan: results from an internet survey.J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2022;28(2):291-302. doi:10.5056/jnm21065Katz PO, Dunbar KB, Schnoll-Sussman FH, Greer KB, Yadlapati R, Spechler SJ.ACG clinical guideline for the diagnosis and management of gastroesophageal reflux disease.Am J Gastroenterol. 2022;117(1):27-56. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000001538DailyMed.Famotidine tablet, film coated.DailyMed.Nizatidine capsule.Lynch KL.Overview of the esophagus. Merck Manual Consumer Version.Gotfried J.Constipation in adults. Merck Manual Consumer Version.Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.About pelvic floor disorders (PFDs).International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.Dyssynergic defecation: about a common cause of chronic constipation.LeWine HE.Laxatives: what to know about choosing the right one. Harvard Health Publishing.Harvard Health Publishing.9 at-home treatments for acid reflux.Food and Drug Administration.Over-the-counter (OTC) heartburn treatment.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatments for GER and GERD.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Constipation: causes and prevention tips.Andy UU, Jelovsek JE, Carper B, et al.Impact of treatment for fecal incontinence on constipation symptoms.Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2020;222(6):590.e1-590.e8. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2019.11.1256American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.Minor rectal bleeding.

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Constipation.

Hosseini M, Salari R, Akbari Rad M, Salehi M, Birjandi B, Salari M.Comparing the effect of psyllium seed on gastroesophageal reflux disease with oral omeprazole in patients with functional constipation.J Evid Based Integr Med. 2018;23:2515690X18763294. doi:10.1177/2515690X18763294

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.Motility disorders.

Ogasawara N, Funaki Y, Kasugai K, et al.Overlap between constipation and gastroesophageal reflux disease in Japan: results from an internet survey.J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2022;28(2):291-302. doi:10.5056/jnm21065

Katz PO, Dunbar KB, Schnoll-Sussman FH, Greer KB, Yadlapati R, Spechler SJ.ACG clinical guideline for the diagnosis and management of gastroesophageal reflux disease.Am J Gastroenterol. 2022;117(1):27-56. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000001538

DailyMed.Famotidine tablet, film coated.

DailyMed.Nizatidine capsule.

Lynch KL.Overview of the esophagus. Merck Manual Consumer Version.

Gotfried J.Constipation in adults. Merck Manual Consumer Version.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.About pelvic floor disorders (PFDs).

International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.Dyssynergic defecation: about a common cause of chronic constipation.

LeWine HE.Laxatives: what to know about choosing the right one. Harvard Health Publishing.

Harvard Health Publishing.9 at-home treatments for acid reflux.

Food and Drug Administration.Over-the-counter (OTC) heartburn treatment.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatments for GER and GERD.

Johns Hopkins Medicine.Constipation: causes and prevention tips.

Andy UU, Jelovsek JE, Carper B, et al.Impact of treatment for fecal incontinence on constipation symptoms.Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2020;222(6):590.e1-590.e8. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2019.11.1256

American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.Minor rectal bleeding.

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