Does Acid Reflux Cause Headaches?
- Headaches can be a complication of acid reflux.
- Migraines are also associated with acid reflux.
- Acid reflux medication side effects include headaches.
Research has indicated that those who regularly suffer from acid reflux have a higher prevalence of headaches than those who do not. In fact, this same research indicates that there is a link between a variety of gastrointestinal problems and a higher prevalence of headaches, including constipation, nausea, and diarrhea. [1]
Jump Ahead
- Association Between GERD, Family History, and Headache
- Common Symptoms of Acid Reflux and GERD
- Acid Reflux and Migraines
- Acid Reflux Medications May Cause Headaches
- How to Prevent Headaches from Acid Reflux
- Definition of Terms
- Expert Opinion
- Resources
Association Between GERD, Family History, and Headache
Research has also associated gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with family history and headaches. The research indicated that family history is a risk factor for GERD and that headaches are a complication of the disease. [2]
Common Symptoms of Acid Reflux and GERD
Headaches are not commonly listed as a symptom of acid reflux. Symptoms that are more common include heartburn, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), globus (lump in the throat), water brash (excess saliva), hoarseness, food satiety (feeling full following small amounts of food), chest pain, bloating, belching, nausea, wheezing, lung aspiration, chronic cough, and dyspnea (shortness of breath). [3]
Acid Reflux and Migraines
According to Dr. Egilius L.H. Spierings, MD, a headache expert from the Harvard Medical School, the occurrence of an acid reflux episode can result in a migraine headache for some. When acid reflux strikes, pain can start from the upper gums to the teeth, the cheeks, and finally to the eyes, where migraines are located. Increased anti-reflux treatment can dramatically improve migraines caused by acid reflux episodes. [4]
Acid Reflux Medications May Cause Headaches
H2-receptor blockers. If you are taking an over-the-counter acid reflux medication such as Tagamet®, Pepcid®, Axid®, or Zantac®, the headaches may not be a symptom of the acid reflux but a side effect of the medication. H2-receptor blockers work to lower stomach acid by blocking histamine release. The side effects of H2-receptor blockers are headache, diarrhea, nausea, confusion, and drowsiness. [5]
Proton Pump Inhibitor. Prescription proton pump inhibitors also have headaches listed as a medication’s side effect. Proton pump inhibitors block the production of stomach acid, which in turn helps reduce the symptoms of acid reflux. Brand name proton pump inhibitors include Prilosec®, Prevacid®, Prontoix®, Aciphex®, Nexium®, and Dexilant®. The listed side effects of these medications include headache, diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea or vomiting, and increased risk of fracture. [6]
How to Prevent Headaches from Acid Reflux
To prevent migraines or headaches caused by acid reflux, acid reflux disease must be addressed. Besides medications such as antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors, lifestyle changes such as weight reduction, quitting smoking, and eating only healthy meals must be undertaken. [7]
Definition of Terms
- Dysphagia: The medical term for difficulty swallowing or the feeling that food is “sticking” in your throat or chest.
University of Maryland Medical Center - Dyspnea: difficult or labored respiration.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary - Early Satiety: feeling full sooner than normal or after eating less than usual.
Medline Plus - Globus: the sensation of having a lump in the throat. Also called globus hystericus.
Medicinenet.com - Water Brash: regurgitation of an excessive accumulation of saliva from the esophagus’s lower part, often with some acid material from the stomach.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Expert Opinion
“One of the biggest problems with Proton Pump Inhibitors is that you can become dependent on them, and if you try to stop taking them, you can get a rebound of reflux. Dr. Oz said that you should not take Proton Pump Inhibitors like Prilosec or Prevacid for more than four weeks.”
Dr. Oz: Most Misused OTC Drugs: Headache, Heartburn, Allergy & Multi-symptom
Resources
- [1] Mayo Clinic – “Is there any link between migraines and gastrointestinal problems?“
- [2] Saudi Journal of Gastroenterology; Correlation of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease with Positive Family History and Headache in Shiraz City, Southern Iran; 2007, Volume: 13, No: 4, pages: 176-179
- [3] The University of Chicago Medicine – “Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).”
- [4] Spierings, ELH; Cephalalgia; “Reflux-triggered migraine headache originating from the upper gum/teeth;” 2002, Vol.22, pp:555–556
- [5] NYU Langone Medical Center – “Medications for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).”
- [6] NYU Langone Medical Center – “Medications for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).”
- [7] Harvard Health Publishing – Harvard Medical School – “9 Ways to Relieve Acid Reflux Without Medication.”
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