Heat and dehydration can lead to flareups of gastroesophageal reflux disease and swallowing disorders. Learn the symptoms and prevention tips here.

Some people have a hard time swallowing high summer temperatures. But some find they have a hard time swallowing because of high summer temperatures. If you are among them, it could be worsening acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

GERD is severe, chronic heartburn that is commonly triggered by consuming certain foods, alcohol, and carbonated drinks. It affects an estimated 20% of people in the U.S., many of whom manage it by tweaking their diets, losing weight, and taking acid-reducing medications. 

Access our short video about GERD here.

However, when temperatures soar, several physical and behavioral changes arise that also can cause GERD flareups for people who normally can manage their acid reflux, according to research. Some incidents can even make swallowing difficult. 

If you have a persistent swallowing disorder, that is a separate condition from GERD called dysphagia. However, the two can overlap. In this blog we’ll explain the causes and how summer heat can aggravate each. 

GERD Is a Common Problem That Heat Can Make Worse

GERD occurs when the foods you eat flow back up from your stomach into your esophagus (food pipe), a result of a misfunctioning sphincter muscle that should close tightly after allowing food in. When the sphincter is weakened or atypically relaxed, the food you eat can re-enter the esophagus, carrying burning stomach acids with it.

Summer can exacerbate symptoms of GERD because higher temperatures tend to contribute to sweating and dehydration. Proper hydration ensures food flows through your gastrointestinal (GI) tract smoothly, reducing the likelihood of post-meal acid reflux. 

Further, some studies find that water can temporarily neutralize the effects of stomach acid by raising its pH levels. So, if you’re sweating a lot, you might be more susceptible to higher acid levels and bouts of GERD.

Summer-related changes in your routine contribute to GERD recurrence, as well. In addition to being more active and sweating, we tend to socialize more, which can lead to later meals, higher alcohol consumption, and eating more GERD-sparking foods (think spicy barbecue and high-fat ice cream). 

Telltale signs of GERD include: 

• Persistent belching.
• Bad breath and a sour taste in your mouth.
• Burning and/or pain in your chest.
• A chronic sore throat and/or cough.
• Trouble swallowing, which can be a sign of dysphagia.

What Is Dysphagia and What Causes Swallowing Problems?

We’ve all had trouble swallowing one time or another, and that’s normal. But when chronic, a swallowing disorder could warn of an underlying condition interfering with the 30 pairs of muscles and nerves that make swallowing possible. One of those conditions is a narrowing esophagus due to GERD.

Other underlying disorders include Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, obstructive pulmonary (lung) disease, and inflammation brought on by an immune disorder (eosinophilic esophagitis). 

One in six adults report the symptoms of dysphagia, according to the Dysphagia Research Society, but only half have talked about it with a doctor. If you have trouble swallowing, this is a good time to seek guidance before it develops into something more serious. June is National Dysphagia Awareness Month,

Aside from acid reflux, common signs of dysphagia include:

• Recurrent choking or gagging when trying to swallow.
• Feeling like food is stuck in your throat and/or takes a few seconds to go down.
• Pain when swallowing.
• Recurring pneumonia (a sign that food is entering the lungs rather than the esophagus).

How to Limit Summertime GERD Flareups

If you notice the above symptoms cropping up in the summer, it might be time to consult a doctor and seek a referral to a gastroenterologist for a sure diagnosis. Until then, here is a list of practices you can adopt to limit the discomfort of GERD and GERD-related dysphagia.

Think twice before saying “yes” to certain foods. Being with friends can distract you from your GERD-friendly diet practices. Wear a rubber band on your wrist to remind you to avoid spicy and fatty foods, and eat a stomach-calming snack before joining friends to reduce impulse eating. Access a list of foods that can cause or prevent GERD here.

Think outside alcohol and fizzy drinks. Alcohol can impair your esophagus’s ability to contract. Dilute or rotate cocktails with water – not GERD-triggering carbonated drinks or citrus juices – to keep your GI system hydrated and limit alcohol’s effects.

Eat smaller servings and take it slow. There’s no need to overload your plate at the party. Fill it halfway and wait 15 or 20 minutes before deciding if it’s worth getting more. Smaller portions, chewed slowly and thoroughly, may keep GERD symptoms under control.

Set a last-meal alarm. Enter a reminder on your watch or phone to alert you when it is time to stop eating; usually two to three hours before lying down to go to bed. This will permit your stomach to partially empty and the acids to reduce.

Walk 15 minutes after eating. Avoid the chaise lounge and take an easy walk or bike ride about 15 minutes after a meal. Regular, low-impact exercise can aid digestion while moving you away from food and drink until temptations subside. Plus, the weather’s terrific!

Lastly, try not to sweat it. Emotional stress can worsen GERD by raising acid production, according to Harvard Health Publishing. Instead, take control (you can!), breathe deep, and swallow that nice, summer air. 

Find out how we diagnose gastroesophageal reflux disease. To learn more about dysphagia, read our blog on the topic. Or, contact us to schedule an appointment.