April 25, 2024 – Acid reflux treatments may increase the chance of migraines or severe headaches, a brand new study shows.
Acid reflux affects as much as 1 in 3 adults weekly and occurs when stomach acid flows from the stomach into the esophagus, which is positioned slightly below the throat. Symptoms similar to a burning sensation or pain within the upper abdomen or chest often occur after a big, heavy meal or when someone lies down shortly after eating.
In a brand new study, researchers compared the likelihood of migraines or headaches in individuals who took acid-suppressing medications and people who didn’t. The drugs included within the evaluation were proton pump inhibitors similar to omeprazole, histamine H2 receptor antagonists (H2 blockers), and antacid preparations. The drugs are commonly used for heartburn and in individuals with ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
The researchers analyzed CDC survey responses from 1999 to 2004 that asked participants whether or not they used acid-suppressant treatments and whether or not they had had migraines or severe headaches prior to now three months. The researchers explained that they used the survey data from those years because they were the one ones that included specific questions on headaches and migraines.
Using any of the kinds of acid reflux disorder therapy studied was related to a better likelihood of reporting migraines or severe headaches compared with individuals who reported not using acid reflux disorder therapy. The likelihood varied depending on the kind used:
- Taking proton pump inhibitors was related to a 70% increased risk.
- Taking an H2 blocker was related to a 40% increased risk.
- Generic antacids resulted in a 30% increased risk.
Compared with the opposite study participants, the likelihood of affected by migraines or severe headaches was not significantly higher or lower depending on the kind of therapy they used.
The Results were published on Thursday within the magazine Clinical Practice of Neurology.
“Given the widespread use of acid-reducing medications and these potential effects on migraines, these findings warrant further investigation,” said study writer and food scientist Margaret Slavin, PhD, of the University of Maryland in College Park, in a opinion“These drugs are often overprescribed, and new research has shown that there are other risks associated with long-term use of proton pump inhibitors, such as an increased risk of dementia.”
Twenty-five percent of study participants taking proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers reported severe headaches or migraines, and 22% reported taking antacids. About 20% of individuals not taking heartburn medications reported migraines or severe headaches.
Slavin noted that the drugs included within the study were available only by prescription on the time of the survey, and lower-dose, over-the-counter drugs weren’t a part of the evaluation. She also advised patients to consult with their doctor before making any changes to current treatment plans.