Acid reflux is a terrible condition. This situation occurs when stomach acid makes its way back to the oesophagus. It may cause nausea, a burning sensation in your chest, and regurgitation of meals. Some people get headaches in addition to acidity or acid reflux, which aggravates the problem. Is there a link between these two?
In an interaction with OnlyMyHealth Dr Nikhil Kulkarni, Consultant-Internal Medicine, SL. Raheja Hospital, Mahim – A Fortis Associate, explained the relation of acidity with headaches.
Does Acidity Cause Headaches
Acidity is commonly associated with headaches and migraine. This happens due to the gut-brain axis – there is a connection between the gut and the brain. Several studies have identified a strong link between gastroesophageal reflux disease and headaches.
Also read: How to Tell Headaches Apart From Migraines
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid rushes back into the oesophagus, followed by regurgitation and heartburn. This could be a momentary or persistent condition known as GERD. In contrast, headaches and migraines are neurological diseases. Along with acid reflux, one may experience headaches or migraines. According to one study, persons who suffer from migraines are more prone to acid reflux. Furthermore, those who experience frequent headaches are observed to have more acid reflux concerns than those who get less frequent headaches.
According to Dr. Kulkarni, headache pills, non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs, or painkillers may actually increase acidity. Headaches can cause acidity and vice versa, and migraine is also associated with other conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Tips To Manage Acidity
By making some lifestyle modifications, acidity induced headaches can be reduced. The recommendations are as follows:
- Avoid spicy or fatty foods & large meals, especially at night
- Remove any food from the diet which exacerbates acidity and results in headache
- Reduce or avoid smoking and alcohol intake
- Eat dinner early, by 7-8 pm, which will give at least two to three hours’ time between dinner and sleep time. This will help reduce acid reflux due to lying down and reduce headaches.
- Losing extra kilos will also help to overcome acidity and headache-related issues
- Acidity medication and simple drugs like Paracetamol will help relieve both symptoms
- Also review with your doctor for other medications which may add to the symptoms and take necessary guidance from the doctor whenever required
Acidity And Fatigue
You may find it difficult to fall asleep when you have acid reflux. You may feel tired as a result of a lack of sleep. Also, when you lie down, acid reflux symptoms worsen since it is simpler for acid to travel back to the oesophagus. According to the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD), GERD sufferers are more prone to sleep problems. Because insufficient sleep impairs brain activities, you may experience a headache as a result of acid reflux. If the problem persists, consult a doctor immediately.
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