Headaches heartburn nausea
9 Ways to Treat Headache from Acid Reflux
Gastric headaches, which occur along with gastrointestinal symptoms like acid reflux, have been studied since ancient time and are still being studied with no definitive answers about its cause.
We now know that communication takes place between the gut and brain through a pathway commonly called the gut-brain axis. This pathway consists mainly between the enteric nervous system in your gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system, comprising the brain and spinal cord.
It’s not clear whether acid reflux itself causes headaches, or if headaches can cause acid reflux. But both symptoms often accompany gastrointestinal conditions and other health issues.
Learn the treatments and underlying causes of headaches from acid reflux, including dietary and lifestyle changes that might relieve your symptoms.
Over-the-counter medications used to treat or eliminate heartburn include:
- antacids: These medications are typically used to alleviate heartburn by neutralizing stomach acid.
- histamine antagonists (h3 blockers): These medications bind to histamine receptors in the gastrointestinal tract and reduce the production of acid by cells in the stomach lining.
- proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): PPIs stop stomach cells from pumping acid into the gastrointestinal tract.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol and other brands) is an over-the-counter medication that does not irritate the stomach.
Be cautious about how much Tylenol you take and follow the dosage instruction carefully. At high doses, acetaminophen can be toxic to the liver.
Staying upright can help keep acid in your stomach rather than allowing it to travel upwards into the esophagus.
Give yourself at least 3 hours after eating before you go to bed. This will help reduce acid reflux as well as the resulting headache fatigue.
Eating smaller meals, especially at night, can also help hasten the digestive process, reducing acid reflux.
Nicotine products, such as cigarettes and vaping products, may relax the lower esophageal sphincter muscle, allowing acid to flow upwards.
Reducing or eliminating nicotine from your lifestyle can help reduce acid reflux and headache.
Alcohol use is another potential cause of both acid reflux and headache.
Drinking alcohol can trigger heartburn. Alcoholic hangovers can cause headache, nausea, and vomiting as well as reflux.
Your diet may also result in headache from acid reflux.
Eating spicy or high-fat foods can exacerbate GERD. So can eating large meals, especially at night.
Reduce or eliminate these kinds of foods or any foods you notice result in acid reflux or headache after you eat them.
Sleeping on an incline can help eliminate GERD.
This can be done by utilizing bed risers at the head of your bed. A foam wedge or a firm, high pillow may also help.
When you are overweight, the muscles and abdominal structure that help keep the lower esophageal sphincter closed become spread apart. This allows the sphincter muscle to open more easily, leading to acid reflux.
If you’re overweight or obese, losing weight can help reduce reflux.
Prescription medications may irritate the stomach or relax the esophageal sphincter, including:
- calcium channel blockers
- birth control pills
- oral antibiotics
In some instances, taking medication with a large glass of water or with food may be enough to reduce irritation. In others, switching to a prescription with coated pills may help.
Carefully monitor side effects of any medication you take regularly, and talk to your doctor about alternative treatments.
If lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications aren’t enough to eliminate acid reflux and headache, your doctor may prescribe medications, such as:
- H-2 receptor blockers
- proton-pump inhibitors
- migraine medications
- anti-nausea medication
Several conditions of the gastrointestinal tract have been found to have headache as a symptom. They include:
- dyspepsia
- gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS)
- H. Pylori (helicobacter pylori) infection
Scleroderma, an autoimmune condition, has a wide range of symptoms that can include GERD and GERD-related fatigue plus headache.
While limited, several studies have noted the link between headaches and heartburn.
A literature review of scientific studies conducted from 1997 to 2015 noted a connection between headache and acid reflux.
The Head-HUNT study, a large questionnaire-based cross-sectional analysis of nearly 44,000 people, noted higher rates of headache in individuals who also had significant reflux as well as constipation and nausea.
These symptoms also appeared to occur at the same rate in people with migraines as in those with non-migraine headaches.
FatigueIn addition to headaches, people with GERD may experience sleep disruption from acid reflux that results in fatigue from lack of quality sleep.
GERD is caused by the backwards flow of stomach acid into the esophagus. The burning sensation as well as the bitter taste of acid can wake people up from even deep sleep, resulting in fatigue or exhaustion.
MigraineMigraine and gastrointestinal symptoms can sometimes occur together. This can include acid reflux, nausea, and vomiting.
One study based on a survey of over 1,800 people with migraine found that almost half had both GERD and heartburn.
Another study of 378 people found that the prevalence of migraine is higher in people with dyspeptic symptoms like acid reflux, nausea, and vomiting.
Migraine treatments and acid reflux
Migraine treatments may also be a cause of acid reflux. NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are often used to alleviate migraine or headache pain. These medications can irritate the stomach, causing reflux to occur.
Several studies have found that acid reflux and headaches or migraines can occur together.
Several gastrointestinal conditions, including IBS and dyspepsia, may exhibit both symptoms.
Lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications may be enough to eliminate acid reflux and headache. If these aren’t enough, your doctor may prescribe medications for both symptoms.
9 Ways to Treat Headache from Acid Reflux
Gastric headaches, which occur along with gastrointestinal symptoms like acid reflux, have been studied since ancient time and are still being studied with no definitive answers about its cause.
We now know that communication takes place between the gut and brain through a pathway commonly called the gut-brain axis. This pathway consists mainly between the enteric nervous system in your gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system, comprising the brain and spinal cord.
It’s not clear whether acid reflux itself causes headaches, or if headaches can cause acid reflux. But both symptoms often accompany gastrointestinal conditions and other health issues.
Learn the treatments and underlying causes of headaches from acid reflux, including dietary and lifestyle changes that might relieve your symptoms.
Over-the-counter medications used to treat or eliminate heartburn include:
- antacids: These medications are typically used to alleviate heartburn by neutralizing stomach acid.
- histamine antagonists (h3 blockers): These medications bind to histamine receptors in the gastrointestinal tract and reduce the production of acid by cells in the stomach lining.
- proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): PPIs stop stomach cells from pumping acid into the gastrointestinal tract.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol and other brands) is an over-the-counter medication that does not irritate the stomach.
Be cautious about how much Tylenol you take and follow the dosage instruction carefully. At high doses, acetaminophen can be toxic to the liver.
Staying upright can help keep acid in your stomach rather than allowing it to travel upwards into the esophagus.
Give yourself at least 3 hours after eating before you go to bed. This will help reduce acid reflux as well as the resulting headache fatigue.
Eating smaller meals, especially at night, can also help hasten the digestive process, reducing acid reflux.
Nicotine products, such as cigarettes and vaping products, may relax the lower esophageal sphincter muscle, allowing acid to flow upwards.
Reducing or eliminating nicotine from your lifestyle can help reduce acid reflux and headache.
Alcohol use is another potential cause of both acid reflux and headache.
Drinking alcohol can trigger heartburn. Alcoholic hangovers can cause headache, nausea, and vomiting as well as reflux.
Your diet may also result in headache from acid reflux.
Eating spicy or high-fat foods can exacerbate GERD. So can eating large meals, especially at night.
Reduce or eliminate these kinds of foods or any foods you notice result in acid reflux or headache after you eat them.
Sleeping on an incline can help eliminate GERD.
This can be done by utilizing bed risers at the head of your bed. A foam wedge or a firm, high pillow may also help.
When you are overweight, the muscles and abdominal structure that help keep the lower esophageal sphincter closed become spread apart. This allows the sphincter muscle to open more easily, leading to acid reflux.
If you’re overweight or obese, losing weight can help reduce reflux.
Prescription medications may irritate the stomach or relax the esophageal sphincter, including:
- calcium channel blockers
- birth control pills
- oral antibiotics
In some instances, taking medication with a large glass of water or with food may be enough to reduce irritation. In others, switching to a prescription with coated pills may help.
Carefully monitor side effects of any medication you take regularly, and talk to your doctor about alternative treatments.
If lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications aren’t enough to eliminate acid reflux and headache, your doctor may prescribe medications, such as:
- H-2 receptor blockers
- proton-pump inhibitors
- migraine medications
- anti-nausea medication
Several conditions of the gastrointestinal tract have been found to have headache as a symptom. They include:
- dyspepsia
- gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS)
- H. Pylori (helicobacter pylori) infection
Scleroderma, an autoimmune condition, has a wide range of symptoms that can include GERD and GERD-related fatigue plus headache.
While limited, several studies have noted the link between headaches and heartburn.
A literature review of scientific studies conducted from 1997 to 2015 noted a connection between headache and acid reflux.
The Head-HUNT study, a large questionnaire-based cross-sectional analysis of nearly 44,000 people, noted higher rates of headache in individuals who also had significant reflux as well as constipation and nausea.
These symptoms also appeared to occur at the same rate in people with migraines as in those with non-migraine headaches.
FatigueIn addition to headaches, people with GERD may experience sleep disruption from acid reflux that results in fatigue from lack of quality sleep.
GERD is caused by the backwards flow of stomach acid into the esophagus. The burning sensation as well as the bitter taste of acid can wake people up from even deep sleep, resulting in fatigue or exhaustion.
MigraineMigraine and gastrointestinal symptoms can sometimes occur together. This can include acid reflux, nausea, and vomiting.
One study based on a survey of over 1,800 people with migraine found that almost half had both GERD and heartburn.
Another study of 378 people found that the prevalence of migraine is higher in people with dyspeptic symptoms like acid reflux, nausea, and vomiting.
Migraine treatments and acid reflux
Migraine treatments may also be a cause of acid reflux. NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are often used to alleviate migraine or headache pain. These medications can irritate the stomach, causing reflux to occur.
Several studies have found that acid reflux and headaches or migraines can occur together.
Several gastrointestinal conditions, including IBS and dyspepsia, may exhibit both symptoms.
Lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications may be enough to eliminate acid reflux and headache. If these aren’t enough, your doctor may prescribe medications for both symptoms.
Heartburn and nausea - causes, symptoms of which diseases are, methods of treatment
How to take Omez® 10 mg for heartburn?
03/01/2021
As you know, the stomach has an acidic environment, which is necessary for the normal digestion of food. The production of hydrochloric acid is carried out by special cells contained in the glands of the stomach. The esophagus has an alkaline environment, and the walls of the esophagus are protected from aggressive gastric juice by a muscular sphincter, which does not allow gastric contents to be thrown up. However, if the sphincter is weakened, then gastric juice can enter the esophagus, causing the discomfort that we experience with heartburn.
Read more
Can Omez® 10 mg be used with low acidity?
03/01/2021
The acidity of the stomach is the concentration of acid in the lumen of the organ or gastric juice. Hydrochloric acid plays a major role in the formation of stomach acidity. Normal acidity in the lumen of the stomach on an empty stomach is 1.5-2.0 pH 3 .
Read more
Omez® 10 mg and alcohol: are they compatible?
03/01/2021
Heartburn is a very common condition that everyone can experience at least once in their life. The mechanism of occurrence of heartburn is closely related to two concepts: the acidity of the stomach and the work of the sphincter between the stomach and esophagus 2 . Alcohol consumption affects both of these factors, increasing the risk of heartburn 2.3 .
Read more
Omez® 10 mg: before meals or after?
03/01/2021
Omez ® 10 mg is a drug from the group of proton pump inhibitors. The drug contributes to the treatment of heartburn and sour belching by reducing the production of hydrochloric acid not only during the day, but also at night 1 . It is taken 1 time per day.
Read more
Heartburn from sweets
12/10/2020
Heartburn is an unpleasant burning sensation that originates in the epigastric region and spreads upward 2 . May be accompanied by sour belching and pain. According to statistics, heartburn bothers 47.5% of adult residents of Russia at least once a week, and in 9% the symptom manifests itself more often 1 .
Read more
What causes heartburn and acid regurgitation and how to deal with them?
09/15/2020
Heartburn is a common condition faced by many. It manifests itself as a burning sensation behind the sternum, which spreads upward from the epigastric region, and may be accompanied by sour eructation 3 . According to the statistics of the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 25% of the world's population suffer from frequent heartburn attacks, and only 30-35% seek medical help. Proper treatment of the condition is carried out only in 3-4% 1 .
Read more
What foods can cause heartburn?
07/21/2020
Nutritional factors play a key role in the development of burning sensation in the esophagus 5 . However, not only they can contribute to the development of an unpleasant symptom. Common risk factors can be:
Read more
"Acute" problem: why can there be heartburn after eating and how to get rid of it?
07/20/2020
Many people are familiar with the sensation of heartburn. This burning sensation, which begins in the epigastric region and gradually rises upwards, may reach the throat 2 . Approximately a quarter of people worldwide suffer from frequent heartburn after eating 1 . At the same time, few people seek professional help because of this symptom and take the right measures to combat the unpleasant condition.
Read more
Stomach pain with heartburn
02/20/2020
The reflux of gastric juice with a food bolus into the esophagus, where there should normally be an alkaline environment, leads to irritation of the mucous membrane. The epithelium of the esophagus does not have a special protective layer from the aggressive effects of acid, which is located in the stomach. Therefore, the mucous membrane is damaged 6 . Erosions are formed - superficial defects that do not affect the muscular layer of the esophagus. These wounds are additionally exposed to acid, which causes pain.
Read more
Heartburn and nausea
20. 02.2020
Heartburn is a burning sensation behind the sternum that spreads upward from the epigastric region and can even radiate to the neck 3 . This condition is provoked by gastroesophageal reflux - the reverse movement of the contents of the stomach into the esophagus. Very often, heartburn is accompanied by nausea, which can result in vomiting. The condition occurs in both healthy people and patients with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Read more
Heartburn during pregnancy
02/20/2020
Heartburn is an unpleasant feeling of burning or warmth behind the breastbone or in the epigastric region. The symptom occurs after eating or on an empty stomach and is associated with food reflux, that is, the reflux of food processed by gastric juice back into the esophagus. Since the mucous membrane of the esophagus is not adapted to the action of gastric juice, it becomes irritated, which is subjectively felt in the form of heartburn.
Heartburn in pregnant women is an independent symptom that appears only during the period of bearing a child against the background of the absence of chronic diseases that cause reflux of gastric juice 1 . According to statistics, 30-50% of pregnant women suffer from heartburn, there is evidence that more than 80% of pregnant women complain of heartburn, especially in the third trimester 4 .
Read more
What can cause heartburn?
23.12.2019
Heartburn or a burning sensation along the esophagus, although not a life-threatening condition, can bring significant discomfort to a sick person and reduce the quality of life. The answer to the question: “What can cause heartburn and how to treat it?” Is relevant for almost half of the inhabitants of Russia 1 . According to domestic population studies 1 , an episodic feeling of heat in the esophagus occurs in about half of adult sick Russians. About 10% feel it at least once a week 1 . In order to find a therapeutic "key" to this condition, it is important to understand its nature and causes.
Read more
How to get rid of heartburn?
11/29/2019
Heartburn is a burning sensation or discomfort behind the sternum, which spreads from the epigastric region upwards (along the esophagus) and is somehow associated with gastroesophageal reflux, i.e. weakening of the esophageal sphincter, which can lead to reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus). Approximately 30-50% of sick people periodically complain to their loved ones about a burning sensation. About 10% have a problem more than once a week 1 . However, few people suffering from heartburn correctly represent the causes and mechanisms of its formation.
Read more
Heartburn and nausea - causes, symptoms of diseases, methods of treatment
How to take Omez® 10 mg for heartburn?
03/01/2021
As you know, the stomach has an acidic environment, which is necessary for the normal digestion of food. The production of hydrochloric acid is carried out by special cells contained in the glands of the stomach. The esophagus has an alkaline environment, and the walls of the esophagus are protected from aggressive gastric juice by a muscular sphincter, which does not allow gastric contents to be thrown up. However, if the sphincter is weakened, then gastric juice can enter the esophagus, causing the discomfort that we experience with heartburn.
Read more
Can Omez® 10 mg be used with low acidity?
03/01/2021
The acidity of the stomach is the concentration of acid in the lumen of the organ or gastric juice. Hydrochloric acid plays a major role in the formation of stomach acidity. Normal acidity in the lumen of the stomach on an empty stomach is 1.5-2.0 pH 3 .
Read more
Omez® 10 mg and alcohol: are they compatible?
03/01/2021
Heartburn is a very common condition that everyone can experience at least once in their life. The mechanism of occurrence of heartburn is closely related to two concepts: the acidity of the stomach and the work of the sphincter between the stomach and esophagus 2 . Alcohol consumption affects both of these factors, increasing the risk of heartburn 2.3 .
Read more
Omez® 10 mg: before meals or after?
03/01/2021
Omez ® 10 mg is a drug from the group of proton pump inhibitors. The drug contributes to the treatment of heartburn and sour belching by reducing the production of hydrochloric acid not only during the day, but also at night 1 . It is taken 1 time per day.
Read more
Heartburn from sweets
12/10/2020
Heartburn is an unpleasant burning sensation that originates in the epigastric region and spreads upward 2 . May be accompanied by sour belching and pain. According to statistics, heartburn bothers 47.5% of adult residents of Russia at least once a week, and in 9% the symptom manifests itself more often 1 .
Read more
What causes heartburn and acid regurgitation and how to deal with them?
09/15/2020
Heartburn is a common condition faced by many. It manifests itself as a burning sensation behind the sternum, which spreads upward from the epigastric region, and may be accompanied by sour eructation 3 . According to the statistics of the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 25% of the world's population suffer from frequent heartburn attacks, and only 30-35% seek medical help. Proper treatment of the condition is carried out only in 3-4% 1 .
Read more
What foods can cause heartburn?
07/21/2020
Nutritional factors play a key role in the development of burning sensation in the esophagus 5 . However, not only they can contribute to the development of an unpleasant symptom. Common risk factors can be:
Read more
"Acute" problem: why can there be heartburn after eating and how to get rid of it?
07/20/2020
Many people are familiar with the sensation of heartburn. This burning sensation, which begins in the epigastric region and gradually rises upwards, may reach the throat 2 . Approximately a quarter of people worldwide suffer from frequent heartburn after eating 1 . At the same time, few people seek professional help because of this symptom and take the right measures to combat the unpleasant condition.
Read more
Stomach pain with heartburn
02/20/2020
The reflux of gastric juice with a food bolus into the esophagus, where there should normally be an alkaline environment, leads to irritation of the mucous membrane. The epithelium of the esophagus does not have a special protective layer from the aggressive effects of acid, which is located in the stomach. Therefore, the mucous membrane is damaged 6 . Erosions are formed - superficial defects that do not affect the muscular layer of the esophagus. These wounds are additionally exposed to acid, which causes pain.
Read more
Heartburn and nausea
20.02.2020
Heartburn is a burning sensation behind the sternum that spreads upward from the epigastric region and can even radiate to the neck 3 . This condition is provoked by gastroesophageal reflux - the reverse movement of the contents of the stomach into the esophagus. Very often, heartburn is accompanied by nausea, which can result in vomiting. The condition occurs in both healthy people and patients with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Read more
Heartburn during pregnancy
02/20/2020
Heartburn is an unpleasant feeling of burning or warmth behind the breastbone or in the epigastric region. The symptom occurs after eating or on an empty stomach and is associated with food reflux, that is, the reflux of food processed by gastric juice back into the esophagus. Since the mucous membrane of the esophagus is not adapted to the action of gastric juice, it becomes irritated, which is subjectively felt in the form of heartburn.
Heartburn in pregnant women is an independent symptom that appears only during the period of bearing a child against the background of the absence of chronic diseases that cause reflux of gastric juice 1 . According to statistics, 30-50% of pregnant women suffer from heartburn, there is evidence that more than 80% of pregnant women complain of heartburn, especially in the third trimester 4 .
Read more
What can cause heartburn?
23.12.2019
Heartburn or a burning sensation along the esophagus, although not a life-threatening condition, can bring significant discomfort to a sick person and reduce the quality of life. The answer to the question: “What can cause heartburn and how to treat it?” Is relevant for almost half of the inhabitants of Russia 1 . According to domestic population studies 1 , an episodic feeling of heat in the esophagus occurs in about half of adult sick Russians. About 10% feel it at least once a week 1 . In order to find a therapeutic "key" to this condition, it is important to understand its nature and causes.
Read more
How to get rid of heartburn?
11/29/2019
Heartburn is a burning sensation or discomfort behind the sternum, which spreads from the epigastric region upwards (along the esophagus) and is somehow associated with gastroesophageal reflux, i.e. weakening of the esophageal sphincter, which can lead to reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus). Approximately 30-50% of sick people periodically complain to their loved ones about a burning sensation.