If you’ve ever experienced both acid reflux and headaches, you may have wondered if there’s a connection between the two. As someone who has dealt with both issues, I wanted to get to the bottom of this question. After doing some research and consulting with doctors, I’ve learned quite a bit about the relationship between acid reflux and headaches. Keep reading to find out if acid reflux can cause headaches and what you can do to find relief.

What is Acid Reflux?

Before we dive into the connection with headaches, let’s start with a quick overview of what exactly acid reflux is.

Acid Reflux 101

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that connects your mouth and stomach. A ring of muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter normally acts as a valve between the esophagus and stomach. When this valve relaxes too often or for too long, acid can flow back up.

Some key facts about acid reflux:

• Also called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Main symptom is heartburn
• Can also cause regurgitation, nausea, chest pain, sore throat
• Acid reflux medications reduce stomach acid production

What Causes Acid Reflux?

There are several factors that can contribute to acid reflux:

• Eating large meals: Overfilling the stomach can force acid upward.
• Eating fatty, spicy foods: These foods relax the LES valve and irritate the esophagus.
• Drinking alcohol: Alcohol also relaxes the LES valve.
• Being overweight: Extra weight puts pressure on the stomach.
• Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and baby’s growth can push acid up.
• Smoking: Nicotine damages the LES valve.

Acid Reflux Symptoms

The most common signs of acid reflux are:

• Heartburn
• Regurgitation of food/sour taste
• Chest pain
• Difficulty swallowing
• Wheezing
• Nausea

If you experience any of these, especially heartburn and regurgitation, see your doctor.

The Link Between Acid Reflux and Headaches

Now that we’ve reviewed acid reflux basics, let’s look at the connection with headaches.

Can Acid Reflux Cause Headaches?

The short answer is yes, acid reflux can sometimes cause headaches.

Headaches are actually an overlooked symptom of acid reflux. In one study of people with GERD, over half reported frequent headaches or migraines.

So how exactly can acid reflux lead to headaches? There are a few possible ways:

Mechanisms Explaining Acid Reflux Headaches

• Esophageal spasms: The esophagus can go into spasm in response to acid exposure. This pain can radiate upward causing head pain.
• Trigeminal nerve irritation: Branches of this major facial nerve are located near the esophagus. Acid can irritate these nerves and result in referred pain (pain perceived elsewhere – the head in this case).
• Sinus issues: Refluxed acid can travel upward into the throat, inflaming the sinuses and triggering sinus headaches. It may also cause post-nasal drip headaches.
• Medication side effects: Some acid reflux medications like NSAIDs can potentially cause headaches as a side effect.

So in summary, the pain from acid reflux can transfer or radiate to the head through various mechanisms. Treating the underlying reflux is key to reducing this type of headache.

Acid Reflux Headache Symptoms

How can you tell if a headache is connected to acid reflux? Here are some clues:

Characteristics of Acid Reflux Headaches

• Location in the front or back of the head
• Worse after eating, when lying down, or bending over
• Frequent heartburn or sour taste along with headache
• Headache improves if acid reflux is treated
• Morning headaches that improve as the day goes on
• Headache on one side of the head or both

In contrast, migraines usually cause throbbing pain on one side along with nausea and sensitivity to light. So the quality and accompanying symptoms can help distinguish reflux headaches.

Diagnosing Acid Reflux Headaches

If you think acid reflux may be triggering your headaches, talk to your doctor. Here are some ways acid reflux headaches may be diagnosed:

This study from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) explores the potential association between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and migraine.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31523246/

Tests to Confirm Acid Reflux Headaches

• Medical history: Your doctor will ask about your specific symptoms.
• Physical exam: They’ll examine your head and neck and check for sinus tenderness.
• Endoscopy: A tiny camera on a tube checks for esophageal inflammation from acid.
• pH monitoring: A probe measures your esophageal acidity levels for correlation with symptoms.
• Trial of reflux medication: Relief of headaches after treatment supports the diagnosis.

Once confirmed, the most effective solution is to treat the underlying acid reflux causing the problem.

Treatments to Stop Acid Reflux Headaches

You have options when it comes to stopping headaches related to acid reflux. Work with your doctor to find the right treatment plan for you.

Lifestyle Changes

Making certain lifestyle adjustments can significantly control acid reflux and associated headaches:

• Avoid big meals, greasy/spicy foods
• Eat smaller, slower meals
• Don’t eat 2-3 hours before bed
• Lose excess weight
• Quit smoking
• Limit alcohol intake
• Raise the head of your bed
• Loosen tight clothing

Medications

If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, medications that reduce stomach acid may be prescribed:

• Antacids like Tums
• H2 blockers like Zantac or Pepcid
• Proton pump inhibitors like Prilosec or Nexium

These can all lower acid production and relieve headaches.

Surgery

For more severe cases, surgeries like “fundoplication” can improve the function of the lower esophageal sphincter to prevent reflux. This can successfully ease headaches if acid reflux is the culprit.

Conclusion

In summary, acid reflux can definitely cause headaches in some people. Heartburn, indigestion and regurgitation are the hallmark symptoms of reflux. But headaches, especially in the morning or after meals, can also indicate acid is impacting you. See your doctor if you’re experiencing frequent headaches along with acid reflux symptoms. With an accurate diagnosis, there are very effective ways to treat acid reflux and eliminate associated headaches through lifestyle changes, medication or surgery. Taking control of your reflux can mean finally finding headache relief.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between acid reflux headaches and migraines?

Migraines usually involve severe throbbing pain on one side of the head and additional symptoms like nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity or noise sensitivity. Acid reflux headaches are often described as feeling like a tightness or pressure on both sides of the head. They are also closely related to meals, while migraines are not usually triggered by eating.

Can children get acid reflux headaches?

Yes, children can certainly experience headaches related to acid reflux. Symptoms like chronic cough or throat clearing after eating in children may indicate reflux that requires treatment. Headaches will often improve once acid reflux is controlled.

Should I see an ENT doctor for suspected acid reflux headaches?

Starting with your primary care physician is usually best, and they can refer you to an ENT (ear, nose and throat specialist) if needed. ENTs specialize in the upper airway and may do examinations to see if acid reflux is impacting your throat, voice box, or sinuses in a way that is contributing to headaches.

Why do acid reflux headaches often occur in the morning?

Lying flat overnight allows gravity to work against you, making it easier for acid to back up into the esophagus, especially after a big dinner. This can cause morning headaches that tend to improve over the course of the day as you stay upright.

If I take medication for acid reflux, will my headaches get better?

The right reflux medication can definitely help relieve headaches triggered by acid reflux. Reducing the body’s production of stomach acid decreases the amount available to reflux up and cause problems. Just give the medication time to fully take effect. If headaches continue after a couple months, discuss additional options with your doctor.