Can Acid Reflux Cause Nausea? Acid reflux, also known as gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD), may be diagnosed if you experience an unpleasant feeling in your throat, similar to a burning sensation, that makes it difficult to swallow. If this sounds like you, you may have acid reflux.
When you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), one of the symptoms you could encounter is irritation in your throat. However, this is only one of many possible symptoms. Another symptom is nausea, which is described as an uneasy feeling or discomfort in the stomach.
An episode of GERD, is often brought on by eating a meal too quickly or eating too much. This may produce an uneasy sensation in both your stomach and throat. It can also be rather humiliating if it comes on at the most inconvenient moments, such as on a date or immediately before an important meeting.
You are not, thank goodness, going through this ordeal by yourself. The majority of people will, at some point in their life, suffer from acid reflux.
What exactly is acid reflux?
When you have overindulged, eaten too rapidly, or ingested an excessive amount of certain foods that cause acid production. You may have acid reflux, which is characterized by a burning feeling in the chest that is followed by a sour taste in the throat.
It is unpleasant to experience, has a revolting taste, and may seem as if there is no way to alleviate the symptoms.
Additionally, lying down has a tendency to exacerbate the symptoms.
Acid reflux is a condition in which stomach acid or bile enters the lower esophageal sphincter and irritates the lining of the food pipe. Acid reflux may be brought on by digestive disorders and especially occurs when stomach acid or bile enters the lower esophageal sphincter and irritates the food pipe lining. This can create a burning feeling in the chest and considerable pain while speaking.
If you’ve ever had the sensation that your throat is closing after eating anything hot like curry or a fatty dish like bacon and eggs, or if you’ve ever been ravenous and wolfed down a huge meal. You may have just put yourself at risk for an episode of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
The majority of instances may clear up on their own within a few hours, or they may clear up more quickly with the use of over-the-counter drugs or home treatments.
1. Symptoms
If you suspect that you have acid reflux, you may experience any one of the following symptoms, or all of them together:
- The term “heartburn” refers to a burning discomfort that may spread from the stomach to the lower abdomen and then up into the chest. It’s possible that you’ll feel this ache at the back of your throat as well.
- Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, is a stomach disorder that is characterized by symptoms such as burping, belching, bloating, and heartburn.
- Nausea is the term used to describe an unsettled stomach that is brought on by heaving, burping, or regurgitating.
- The term “abdominal pain” refers to cramping or discomfort that occurs in the abdominal region.
- Regurgitation is characterized by a sour or bitter taste in the mouth or throat. This may be accompanied by the sensation of heaving. It’s possible that this will come out as wet burps. It is also possible that you may have dry heaving.
- Dysphagia is when you get the sensation that food is becoming stuck in your throat.
2. Cause
Acid reflux may have a number of different root causes. These are the following:
Hiatal hernia is a condition that occurs when the top portion of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm. This is the muscle that normally divides the chest and the abdomen. If you have a hiatal hernia, acid may flow into your esophagus, which can cause acid reflux. However, if your diaphragm is functioning properly, it will assist keep acid in your stomach where it belongs. Take note that this is an internal hernia, which means that when someone looks at your body from the outside, they won’t be able to see the hernia.
Because of the additional strain that is placed on your stomach during pregnancy as well as the hormonal shifts that take place during this time. You may find that you suffer from acid reflux more often.
Being overweight may put pressure on your stomach, which can make GERD symptoms worse. Obesity.
- If you consume a meal that is too close to your bedtime, your body may not have enough time to digest the food you ate before you go to sleep, which may make acid reflux symptoms worse.
A physical injury is damage to the body that, while uncommon, inhibits the lower esophageal sphincter from functioning as it should.
The following foods, in addition to posing health risks, are known to be associated with acid reflux and nausea:
- meals that are fried, oily, or fatty
- Foods with a spicy flavor
- foods that are strong in acidity, such as citrus fruits and liquids, for example
- Tomatoes, as well as other red sauces
- Chocolate
- Peppermint
- Alcohol
- Beverages with a carbonated content
- Coffee, both caffeinated and decaffeinated, as well as other caffeinated drinks
Having Nausea with Acid Reflux
When we take in food or fluids, the lower esophageal sphincter normally contracts. This is done to prevent any food particles or stomach acids from traveling backward into our food tube, which is also referred to as the esophagus.
On the other hand, when we have acid reflux, some of the acids from our stomach may make its way into our esophagus. This can be quite uncomfortable. This may bring in coughing and burping, both of which can lead to feelings of nausea.
How to Treat Nausea Caused by Acid Reflux
If you’re suffering nausea as a result of acid reflux, your first instinct may be to lay down.
Unfortunately, lying down might make your acid reflux worse, so rather than doing that, you should try to locate somewhere peaceful and quiet where you can sit for a bit. Home cures, adjustments to lifestyle, and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals are all effective means of treating acid reflux in the vast majority of instances.
At-Home Remedies
Chew gum: The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) reports that chewing gum while having acid reflux may promote greater swallowing frequency. This helps to clear out the quantity of acid that has refluxed rate of reflux into the esophagus, which may lead to a reduction in symptoms. Chewing gum can be purchased at most convenience stores.
Consume Ginger Supplements: Ginger is an important component in several traditional Chinese medicines and may help reduce inflammation in your body when taken in supplement form. In addition, taking ginger pills, which need to be done in moderation, might assist in easing stomach upset and discomfort.
- Changes in Way of Life
- Reduce your weight.
- Stay hydrated
- Quit smoking
- Avoid food triggers
- Eat smaller meals
- It’s best to wait at least two hours after a big meal before getting into bed or resting down.
- Rest with your head up above your bed.
- Remove all sources of caffeine from your diet.
Medications
Antacids, such as Mylanta, Rolaids, and Tums, are medications that neutralize the acid produced by the stomach in a prompt and effective manner. They are a way that can be purchased over the counter, but you should still consider going to the doctor if acid reflux occurs on a consistent basis.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): PPIs like Prevacid, Nexium, and Prilosec should be taken before a meal for the greatest results. These medications may limit the amount of acid produced by the stomach, which in turn allows the lining of the esophagus to repair.
Blockers of the H-2 receptors include medications such as Zantac 360, Pepcid, Tagamet, and Axid. Consume them in order to lessen the quantity of acid that is produced by the stomach. Although they don’t work as rapidly as antacids, they may lower acid production in the stomach for up to a whole day.
Anti-nausea drugs, such as metoclopramide (Reglan) and ondansetron (Zofran). These are able to aid in the reduction of nausea when used as directed. Metoclopramide is a promotility agent, which means that it may help reduce the amount of acid reflux that is caused by certain medical diseases, such as diabetes.
FAQ | Can Acid Reflux Cause Nausea
How can I tell whether the nausea I’ve been having is due to acid reflux?
People who suffer from acid reflux often complain of having a sour taste in their mouth. It is caused by stomach acids. It is possible that the taste, along with the frequent burping and coughing that are associated with reflux and GERD, might cause nausea and, in some instances, even vomiting.
How long does the nausea caused by acid reflux last?
Depending on the underlying reason, the painful sensations of heartburn might last around for at least two hours or perhaps longer. Heartburn that is just mild and occurs after eating foods that are spicy or acidic normally continues until the meal has been completely digested. If you bend over or lay down many hours after the first onset of heartburn symptoms, you may have a repeat of those sensations.
Do you get queasy when you have acid in your stomach?
The conclusion, if you will. Your food is broken down and digested with the assistance of the acid in your stomach. It’s possible that your stomach might create more acid than usual every once in a while. This might result in symptoms such as nausea, bloating, heartburn, and discomfort in the abdominal region.