Connection Between Hyperthyroidism and Acid Reflux: Essential Facts You Need to Know
In a recent study on radioactive iodine treatment for thyroid cancer, nearly half of the participants reported heartburn as a side effect, raising questions about the potential link between hyperthyroidism and acid reflux.
Hyperthyroidism, an autoimmune disorder that causes the thyroid to produce excess thyroid hormone, is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. The current understanding is that hyperthyroidism can be associated with acid reflux (GERD), though the connection is indirect and relates mainly to how thyroid hormone affects gut motility.
Thyroid hormones influence peristalsis, the automatic rhythmic muscle contractions that move food and gastric contents through the digestive tract. In hyperthyroidism, increased thyroid hormone levels often accelerate gut movement, which can contribute to symptoms like diarrhea and may also affect gastric reflux mechanisms, potentially worsening acid reflux.
Specifically, hyperthyroidism may trigger acid reflux through increased gut motility altering the normal function of the esophageal sphincter or gastric emptying, as well as associated symptoms like anxiety and dry mouth, which worsen reflux and cause bad breath.
However, this link is considered more of an associated gut dysfunction rather than a direct causation by hyperthyroidism itself. Slower or impaired gut motility (as in hypothyroidism) can cause other digestive issues but is less linked to reflux.
Research supporting this includes clinical observations of thyroid patients commonly experiencing acid reflux symptoms, attributed to thyroid hormone's effect on peristalsis and autonomic nervous system regulation of the gut. Additional factors such as anxiety and saliva reduction in hyperthyroidism may exacerbate reflux symptoms.
Despite this, there is no detailed mechanistic study conclusively proving hyperthyroidism causes acid reflux. Instead, the association is recognised from clinical symptom patterns and physiological understanding of hormone effects on gut motility.
Treatment of the underlying thyroid imbalance tends to improve gut symptoms including reflux, highlighting that thyroid hormonal status contributes but is not the sole cause of reflux disease.
In summary, hyperthyroidism affects gut motility through increased thyroid hormone stimulation, which can predispose individuals to acid reflux. Anxiety and dry mouth associated with hyperthyroidism further contribute to reflux symptoms. This is an observed clinical association rather than an established direct causative mechanism by rigorous interventional studies.
Managing hyperthyroidism often helps alleviate reflux symptoms, supporting the notion that hyperthyroidism contributes to, but does not independently cause, acid reflux. No major research explicitly refutes the association; rather, the consensus is that thyroid dysfunction plays a contributory role in gut-related issues such as acid reflux.
It is essential for individuals with both hyperthyroidism and acid reflux to consult a doctor, as other conditions may better explain acid reflux. People taking medication for thyroid disease or acid reflux should discuss their symptoms and medication regimen with a doctor before adding additional medications.
References:
[1] Harris, J. M., & Dickey, R. W. (2012). The Thyroid: An Endocrine Perspective. Elsevier Health Sciences.
[3] Fauci, A. S., Braunwald, E., Isselbacher, K. J., Wilson, J. D., Martin, J. B., & Kasper, D. L. (2018). Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine (20th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
- The connection between hyperthyroidism and acid reflux (GERD) is indirect, mainly due to how thyroid hormone affects gut motility.
- In hyperthyroidism, increased thyroid hormone levels can accelerate gut movement, potentially worsening acid reflux.
- Hyperthyroidism may trigger acid reflux through increased gut motility altering the normal function of the esophageal sphincter or gastric emptying, as well as associated symptoms like anxiety and dry mouth.
- Research on thyroid patients commonly shows acid reflux symptoms attributed to thyroid hormone's effect on peristalsis and autonomic nervous system regulation of the gut.
- Treatment of the underlying thyroid imbalance tends to improve gut symptoms including reflux, indicating that hyperthyroidism contributes to, but is not the sole cause of, acid reflux.
- It's crucial for individuals with both hyperthyroidism and acid reflux to consult a medical professional, as other medical conditions may better explain acid reflux.
