Gastric acid reflux is a condition in which gastric contents and acid flow into the lower esophagus, which is a tube from the throat to the stomach. Heartburn is the most common symptom of acid reflux, but other symptoms may also occur, including dry cough, recurrence of chest and throat pain. Persistent fatigue is associated with acid reflux and may be a sign of complications or side effects of drugs. These symptoms will prompt you to see a doctor.
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esophageal injury
persistent or severe acid reflux can disturb your life or damage the esophagus, which is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (gerd). According to a review in the May 2011 World Journal of Gastroenterology, erosive esophagitis (lower esophageal inflammation and ulcer) is one of the most common complications of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Chronic bleeding from esophageal ulcers can lead to anemia, which usually leads to persistent fatigue. Anemia is considered a warning sign of complex GERD.
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acid reflux patients often take drugs to control symptoms. Many people use over-the-counter drugs -- histamine blockers or proton pump inhibitors -- without consulting their health care providers. Histamine blockers, such as cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine and nizatidine, sometimes cause fatigue. Proton pump inhibitors, including lansoprazole (prevacid) and omeprazole (zegerid, prilosec), may cause fatigue in some users. These drugs also reduce the production of gastric acid so well that your body can't effectively absorb iron and vitamin B-12 from food. Nutritional deficiencies associated with the use of proton pump inhibitors may eventually lead to anemia and fatigue. If you take the medicine again because of acid reflux symptoms, consult your doctor to ensure that you do not have any side effects. Sleep interruption sometimes results from sleep deprivation at night. For people with acid reflux, repeated waking up at night can lead to poor sleep due to heartburn pain or cough caused by reflux. Drugs for acid reflux can sometimes lead to insomnia.
Consideration factor
Persistent fatigue may be related to acid reflux through various mechanisms. But fatigue can also be caused by diseases unrelated to acid reflux, such as depression, heart disease, thyroid disease, liver and kidney failure, cancer, or autoimmune diseases, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. If you often feel tired, whether or not you have acid reflux, please consult your doctor for a comprehensive examination and medical evaluation.