Unexpected Risk Factors: How Connective Tissues Diseases Can Cause GERD

Can connective tissue disease cause acid reflux? Here at the Tampa Bay Reflux Center, we work with a variety of patients daily who struggle with heartburn and related symptoms.

Since there are so many different reasons someone may develop chronic acid reflux, it can be difficult to pinpoint what, exactly, to avoid. We do know, however, that (while certainly not super common) patients with connective tissue diseases tend to be more likely to develop GERD at some point in life. Let’s talk about this unexpected connection.

What Causes GERD?

Generally speaking, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a result of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) being weaker than it’s supposed to be. This tiny band of tissue is responsible for keeping the contents of your stomach within your stomach. Since the LES is made of skin cells, musculature, and connective tissue, it actually does kinda make sense that muscular and connective tissue disorders could potentially cause GERD.

How Are CTD and GERD Related?

As mentioned above, the LES contains some connective tissue. “CTD'' is a term that encompasses many different conditions that all involve connective tissues. Since the lower esophageal sphincter is partially connective tissue, it is susceptible to functional disorders unrelated to some of the more typical causes of GERD: pregnancy, obesity, consumption of caffeine, alcohol, or theobromine.

What Is Connective Tissue Disease?

There are many types of CTDs, like rheumatoid arthritis, polymyositis and dermatomyositis, and Churg-Strauss Syndrome that affect everything from the joints of the body to the capillaries. Unfortunately, connective tissue runs throughout the whole body, and the effects of one of these diseases may have unforeseen side effects later in life一 such as GERD. If you have been diagnosed with one or more connective tissue diseases, you should start looking out for acid reflux symptoms, even silent reflux.

I Have CTD, What Should I Look Out For?

Be on the lookout for the symptoms of both acid reflux and silent reflux: burning in the esophagus, constant need to clear the throat, regurgitating acid, trouble swallowing, or pain when swallowing. It’s important that you address these symptoms right away because left unchecked, GERD can lead to complications like esophageal destruction and esophageal cancer.

What Should I Do If I Have Reflux Symptoms?

Here’s what you shouldn’t do: continue taking over-the-counter medication for months or years. These medications work well for short-term heartburn and reflux, but shouldn’t be used for patients who have GERD. If you have reflux that lasts longer than a month, you should get in touch with a reflux specialist. Here at the Tampa Bay Reflux Center, we work regularly with CTD patients who need to get a handle on their reflux symptoms. In fact, it’s more important than you realize to resolve your heartburn as soon as you are able; there’s a problem with heartburn medication that the label won’t warn you about.

Are you ready to kick your heartburn for good? Get in touch with our reflux experts today about our reflux surgeries that can help you get your life back.