{"id":1957,"date":"2022-05-13T13:16:50","date_gmt":"2022-05-13T17:16:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.spartanburgent.com\/?p=1957"},"modified":"2022-05-13T13:17:54","modified_gmt":"2022-05-13T17:17:54","slug":"is-your-headache-from-acid-reflux","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.spartanburgent.com\/is-your-headache-from-acid-reflux\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Your Headache from Acid Reflux?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Acid reflux<\/a>, otherwise known as gastroesophageal reflux, is a phenomenon that occurs when your stomach contents flow back up into your esophagus. If your acid reflux is severe or chronic, a physician may diagnose you with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Some symptoms of GERD include regurgitation, heartburn, chest pain, nausea, pain or difficulty swallowing, hoarseness<\/a>, chronic cough and headache.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this post, we review the link between acid reflux and headaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Is There a Link?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Though experts aren\u2019t sure exactly why there\u2019s a link between acid reflux and headaches, they have some theories. Most of which have to do with the gut-brain axis. The gut-brain axis is the link between a person\u2019s gut and their autonomic nervous system (ANS). This allows the gut and brain to communicate with one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ANS controls the body\u2019s involuntary processes. It has three components: the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) <\/strong>is in charge of your body\u2019s \u201cfight or flight\u201d response and is the body\u2019s automatic reaction to threats; the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) <\/strong>controls a person\u2019s \u201crest and digest\u201d response and helps the body relax once a threat has passed; the enteric nervous system (ENS) <\/strong>regulates certain digestive functions, including muscle contractions and secretions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Does the Research Show?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here, we review some of the research on the link between acid reflux and headaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One 2015 study<\/a> found that GERD is associated with impaired PNS function, meaning the link between acid reflux and headaches could be the result of a malfunctioning ANS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another 2017 study<\/a> noted there is a link between ANS dysfunction, headaches and gastrointestinal (GI) disorders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some research<\/a> from 2020 found that issues with glutamate levels can lead to GERD or migraine headaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can I Manage Acid Reflux?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You can manage acid reflux though a combination of lifestyle modifications and medical treatments, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n