Acid reflux and headache: what to know

Reflux happens when stomach contents move upwards into the oesophagus, causing burning behind the breastbone, a sour taste, belching, or throat irritation. Headache has many possible triggers and is not a defining symptom of reflux. The two may coincide because a large or late meal, poor sleep, dehydration, stress, or certain foods can aggravate either complaint. A medicine taken for one problem may sometimes affect the other, so note when symptoms begin and what you have taken.

Eat smaller meals, avoid lying down soon after eating, and identify personal food or drink triggers rather than restricting everything at once. Drink fluids regularly unless you have been told to limit them. For headaches, rest in a quiet setting and keep meals and sleep consistent. A symptom diary can record meal timing, headache features, reflux symptoms, medicines, and sleep. Before using frequent pain relievers or antacids, ask a pharmacist or clinician whether they suit your health conditions and current medicines.

Seek emergency help for a sudden, extremely severe headache; new weakness, confusion, fainting, seizure, trouble speaking, or loss of vision; or chest pressure with sweating, breathlessness, or pain spreading to the arm, jaw, or back. Arrange a medical review if headaches are new or recurring, reflux repeatedly disrupts sleep, swallowing becomes difficult, food sticks, vomiting persists, stools look black, or you lose weight without trying. These features need assessment rather than repeated self-treatment.

Ask whether your symptom pattern suggests separate triggers, whether any prescribed or non-prescription medicine could be contributing, and which reflux or headache treatment is appropriate for you. Bring your diary and medication list. Also mention neck stiffness, fever, changes in vision, pregnancy, recent head injury, trouble swallowing, or symptoms brought on by exertion, because these details can change the assessment.