Acid reflux cause nausea
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Acid Reflux and Its Association with Nausea
Introduction to Acid Reflux and Nausea
Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation. This condition is commonly associated with symptoms such as heartburn and acid regurgitation. However, nausea is also a significant symptom that can be linked to acid reflux.
Prevalence of Nausea in Acid Reflux
Several studies have highlighted the prevalence of nausea among individuals suffering from acid reflux. For instance, a study on Singaporean pregnant women found that those experiencing heartburn and acid regurgitation were more likely to suffer from daily nausea and vomiting compared to those who did not have these reflux symptoms1. This suggests a strong correlation between acid reflux and the occurrence of nausea.
Severity of Nausea in Acid Reflux
The severity of nausea in patients with acid reflux can be considerable. Research has shown that women experiencing both heartburn and acid reflux during pregnancy reported higher severity of nausea and vomiting compared to those who did not have these reflux symptoms2. This indicates that acid reflux can exacerbate the severity of nausea, making it a more distressing symptom for affected individuals.
Mechanisms Linking Acid Reflux to Nausea
The exact mechanisms linking acid reflux to nausea are not entirely clear, but several hypotheses exist. One theory suggests that the irritation caused by stomach acid in the esophagus can trigger nausea. Another possibility is that acid reflux may lead to a hypersensitivity of the esophagus to acid, which can manifest as nausea5. Additionally, the presence of bile acids in the stomach, which can occur in conditions like bile reflux gastritis, has been shown to cause nausea and vomiting3.
Managing Nausea in Acid Reflux
Effective management of acid reflux can significantly reduce the severity of nausea. Treatments aimed at reducing acid production, such as proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers, have been shown to alleviate nausea in patients with GERD4. In some cases, surgical interventions like Nissen fundoplication have been successful in resolving chronic nausea associated with acid reflux4.
Conclusion
Nausea is a common and often severe symptom associated with acid reflux. The correlation between these conditions suggests that managing acid reflux effectively can help reduce the occurrence and severity of nausea. Understanding the underlying mechanisms and implementing appropriate treatments can provide significant relief for patients suffering from these distressing symptoms.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Symptomatic gastro‐oesophageal reflux in pregnancy: A prospective study among Singaporean women
Reflux-type symptoms are less common in Singaporean pregnant women, but are associated with nausea and vomiting, suggesting a common mechanism or cause-effect relationship.
Observational StudyThe effect of heartburn and acid reflux on the severity of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy.
Heartburn and acid reflux during pregnancy are associated with increased severity of nausea and vomiting, suggesting that managing these conditions may improve the severity of pregnancy symptoms.
Observational StudyUrsodeoxycholic acid treatment of bile reflux gastritis.
Ursodeoxycholic acid treatment significantly reduces pain and frequency of symptoms in patients with bile reflux gastritis, but does not significantly alter gastric mucosal appearance.
RCTGastroesophageal Reflux Disease Presenting with Intractable Nausea
Chronic nausea in gastroesophageal reflux disease patients may be due to a variety of factors, not just medication side effects.
Case ReportReflux related symptoms in patients with normal oesophageal exposure to acid.
Patients with normal oesophageal acid exposure may experience symptoms like belching, bloating, and nausea, but the duration and minimum pH of reflux episodes are shorter and higher than those in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.
Observational Study
Highly Citedfactors protecting the oesophagus against acid‐mediated injury
The oesophagus has inherent abilities to resist acid damage, including the lower oesophageal sphincter, secondary oesophageal peristalsis, and swallowed saliva, as well as secretory functions with local production of bicarbonate and mucus responsive
Effect of cholestyramine on the symptoms of reflux gastritis. A randomized, double blind, crossover study.
Cholestyramine was ineffective in symptomatic treatment of bile reflux gastritis symptoms, as observed in a randomized, double-blind, crossover study.
RCTNon-ulcer dyspepsia: potential causes and pathophysiology.
Non-ulcer dyspepsia's cause remains unknown, but factors like gastric acid secretion, duodenogastric reflux, psychological factors, environmental exposures, and heredity may contribute.
Highly CitedEvaluation of Gastroesophageal Reflux in Children as a Risk for Post-operative Nausea and Vomiting: An Observational Study.
Gastroesophageal reflux in children undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy was not statistically associated with post-operative nausea and vomiting in our study.
Observational Study
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