9/11 Rescue Workers More Likely to Have Acid Reflux, Study Shows

Police officers, fire personnel, and other emergency responders who were among the first on the scene of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on New York City are twice as likely than others to suffer from a condition commonly called acid reflux, a new study shows.

About 41 percent of World Trade Center responders have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which the stomach’s linings rise up into the esophagus and cause a burning sensation in the throat and chest. An estimated 60 million adults in the United States experience symptoms of GERD at least once a month, but about 25 million adults suffer from severe daily symptoms.

The study was conducted as part of the Long Island World Trade Center Medical Monitoring and Treatment Program, according to a HealthDay news report. Researchers looked at medical records of 697 World Trade Center rescue, recovery and clean-up workers who were examined in 2005 and 2007.

Depression, Stress Linked to GERD

The higher-than-normal rate of GERD among 9/11 first responders is being attributed to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, which are two disorders more commonly seen among emergency personnel. Previous studies have found a link between the most serious mental health issues and rates of GERD.

People who are stressed are more sensitive to discomfort of gastric acid in the esophagus, previous studies have shown. Over time, the stress can weaken the esophagus’ ability to withstand acid reflux.

About 47 percent of those in the study who were diagnosed with one mental health disorder also had GERD. The rate of the acid reflux condition was even higher for those had two mental health disorders had GERD (64 percent), while the rates of GERD rose to 70 percent and 72 percent for those who had three or four mental health disorders, respectively, according to HealthNews.

9/11 Workers At Risk of Other Health Problems

Previous studies have said the 9/11 emergency workers may be at increased risks of mesothelioma cancer caused by exposure to asbestos and other cancers, respiratory diseases and disorders, and other health complications compared to the general public. Also, New York recently adopted a new law that makes it easier for victims of 9/11 toxic exposure to file lawsuits seeking financial compensation for their injuries.

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