Which of the following is a side effect of increased gastric secretions in Cushing's Syndrome?

Increased gastric secretions in Cushing's Syndrome can lead to several gastrointestinal issues, among which gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a significant concern. The excess cortisol associated with Cushing's can stimulate gastric acid production, which may overwhelm the esophageal sphincter, leading to reflux. This means that the acidic contents of the stomach can easily flow back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms associated with GERD.

Additionally, the increased abdominal pressure that can occur in individuals with obesity or fluid retention—common in Cushing's Syndrome—further exacerbates the chances of reflux. Understanding this relationship is crucial, as managing GERD can significantly improve the quality of life in patients with Cushing's Syndrome.

Other gastrointestinal side effects often associated with Cushing's, such as constipation or peptic ulcers, are also common but do not directly stem from the increase in gastric secretions as GERD does, making GERD the most relevant choice in the context of increased gastric secretions specifically.