Does Acid Reflux Make You Feel Dizzy? What You Need to Know

Do you often experience dizziness after eating a heavy meal or lying down? If so, you may have acid reflux, a common condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, over 60 million Americans suffer from acid reflux at least once a month. While many people associate acid reflux with symptoms like heartburn and indigestion, it can also lead to dizziness. Here's what you need to know:

How Does Acid Reflux Cause Dizziness?

Story:

John, a 55-year-old man, was struggling with persistent dizziness after meals. After consulting his doctor, he was diagnosed with acid reflux. The stomach acid that kept flowing back into his esophagus was irritating the vagus nerve, which controls heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion. The irritation led to a drop in blood pressure, causing John to feel dizzy.

Benefit:	How to
Identify the underlying cause of dizziness	Consult a doctor to rule out other potential causes
Manage acid reflux symptoms	Follow a healthy diet, avoid trigger foods, and use over-the-counter medications

Story:

Sarah, a 30-year-old woman, had been experiencing dizziness and nausea after eating. Her doctor performed an endoscopy, which revealed that she had a hiatal hernia. This condition allowed stomach acid to enter her esophagus, irritating the vagus nerve and causing her symptoms.

Benefit:	How to
Understand the connection between hiatal hernia and acid reflux	Research reputable medical websites to learn more about the condition
Seek medical attention if symptoms persist	Schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist for proper diagnosis and treatment

Tips for Managing Acid Reflux and Dizziness

Eat smaller meals more frequently: This helps reduce the amount of acid in your stomach.

Avoid certain foods: Common triggers include spicy foods, citrus fruits, caffeine, and alcohol.

Elevate your head while sleeping: This helps keep stomach acid from flowing back into your esophagus.

Lose weight if needed: Excess weight can put pressure on your stomach and increase your risk of acid reflux.

Take over-the-counter medications: Antacids and proton pump inhibitors can help neutralize stomach acid.

When to See a Doctor

If you experience persistent dizziness, especially after eating or lying down, it's important to see a doctor. Acid reflux can be a serious condition if left untreated, so it's essential to rule out any underlying health issues.

Does Acid Reflux Make You Feel Dizzy? What You Need to Know