Can Acid Reflux Make You Feel Weak and Shaky?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or acid reflux, is a chronic condition that occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. This acidic backwash can irritate the esophageal lining, causing a burning sensation, known as heartburn. The condition is common, affecting roughly 20% of Americans. As well heartburn, GERD can cause a range of other symptoms, such as:

Nausea and vomiting

Chest pain

Difficulty swallowing

Dry cough

Hoarseness

Weakness and shakiness

Can Acid Reflux Make You Feel Weak and Shaky?

Yes, acid reflux can make you feel weak and shaky. The reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus can trigger a vagal nerve response, which is a reflex that helps protect the body from harm. This response can cause a number of symptoms, including:

Weakness

Shakiness

Nausea

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Sweating

Dizziness

Lightheadedness

In severe cases, the vagal nerve response can even lead to fainting. The weakness and shakiness that accompanies acid reflux is usually temporary and will resolve once the heartburn has subsided. However, if the symptoms are severe or persistent, it's essential to see a doctor to rule out other possible causes.

Symptom	Percentage of GERD patients who experience it
Heartburn	70%
Regurgitation	40%
Nausea and vomiting	30%
Chest pain	25%
Difficulty swallowing	20%
Dry cough	15%
Hoarseness	10%
Weakness and shakiness	5%

Why Can Acid Reflux Make You Feel Weak and Shaky?

The vagus nerve is a long nerve that runs from the brain to the stomach. It helps to control digestion, heart rate, and blood pressure. When the vagus nerve is stimulated, it can cause a number of symptoms, including weakness and shakiness.

Acid reflux can stimulate the vagus nerve in a number of ways. First, the acidic stomach contents can irritate the esophageal lining. This irritation can trigger the vagus nerve to send a signal to the brain, which can then cause weakness and shakiness. Second, the vagus nerve can be stimulated by the distension of the stomach. When the stomach is full of food and gas, it can put pressure on the vagus nerve, which can also lead to weakness and shakiness.

How to Treat Acid Reflux

There are a number of different treatments for acid reflux, including:

Lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, eating smaller meals, and avoiding trigger foods

Medications, such as antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors

Surgery

Treatment	How it works
Lifestyle changes	Losing weight, eating smaller meals, and avoiding trigger foods can all help to reduce acid reflux.
Medications	Antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors can all help to neutralize stomach acid and reduce heartburn.
Surgery	Surgery may be an option for people who do not respond to lifestyle changes or medications.

Conclusion

Acid reflux can be a debilitating condition, but it is one that can be managed. If you are experiencing symptoms of acid reflux, such as weakness and shakiness, it is important to see a doctor to rule out other possible causes and get the appropriate treatment.

Success Stories

"I used to suffer from severe acid reflux. I would get heartburn and regurgitation every day, and I would often feel weak and shaky. I tried all sorts of over-the-counter medications, but nothing seemed to help. Finally, I saw a doctor and was diagnosed with GERD. I was prescribed a proton pump inhibitor, and it has made a world of difference. I no longer have any symptoms of acid reflux, and I feel so much better." - Mary, age 55

"I have been suffering from acid reflux for years. I have tried everything to get rid of it, but nothing has worked. I am now on a strict diet and I am taking a proton pump inhibitor. My symptoms have improved a lot, but I still get acid reflux occasionally. I am hoping that one day I will be able to get rid of it completely." - John, age 45

"I used to get acid reflux all the time. I would wake up in the middle of the night with heartburn and I would have to take antacids every day. I finally saw a doctor and was diagnosed with GERD. I was prescribed a proton pump inhibitor and it has worked wonders. I no longer have any symptoms of acid reflux." - Susan, age 35

Can Acid Reflux Make You Feel Weak and Shaky?