Recognizing the Signs of Vertigo Caused by Acid Reflux and How to Treat It
Stomach acid problems often cause headaches, so it is not uncommon for people to mistakenly assume that they can trigger vertigo. Is this true? Let’s learn more about vertigo and the signs of vertigo caused by stomach acid if the two are indeed related.
Is There Really a Link Between Stomach Acid and Vertigo?

If we look at the origin of vertigo—which is an inner ear disorder—stomach acid has no direct connection to vertigo. However, this is different when you have GERD, a condition in which stomach acid travels up into the esophagus.
Recent research has found that GERD can trigger peripheral vertigo, a type of dizziness in which it feels as though your head is spinning. Stomach acid rising into the esophagus can affect and irritate the passage connected to the inner ear, causing peripheral vertigo.
Research has shown that 74% of patients with peripheral vertigo also have GERD.[1]
So, can stomach acid cause vertigo? The answer may be yes, especially when stomach acid refluxes into the esophagus.
What are the signs of stomach acid rising into the esophagus? You may experience chest pain, a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, a hoarse voice, and coughing.
Given that GERD is more common among women, peripheral vertigo may also be more common in women.[2]
Signs of Vertigo Caused by Stomach Acid

To determine whether what you are experiencing is peripheral vertigo, look for these early signs of peripheral vertigo:
1. The World Seems to Spin
When you experience peripheral vertigo, you may feel dizzy or as though the world around you is spinning. This dizziness can be very disruptive and make it difficult to maintain your balance.
2. Hearing Problems
Since this condition is caused by inflammation around the ear, you may experience hearing problems. You may lose hearing in one ear or experience ringing in one or both ears.
3. Blurred Vision
When you try to focus on a particular object, your vision may become blurred, making it difficult to judge the distance to or details of the object.
4. Loss of Balance
When a vertigo attack occurs, blurred vision and the sensation that the world is spinning can make it difficult to stay balanced. If you are not careful, you can easily lose your balance and fall.
How to Manage Vertigo Caused by Stomach Acid

To keep dizziness from continually disrupting your comfort, here are some ways to treat vertigo caused by stomach acid:
1. Rest
Take time to rest with your upper body elevated, or relax while sitting upright. This posture can prevent stomach acid from rising into the esophagus and irritating the passage in the inner ear.
2. Avoid Bright Lights
Exposure to bright light can make your condition worse, especially when your vision is spinning and unfocused.
Therefore, it is highly recommended that you rest in a dark room, away from TV or phone screens that emit harsh, high-contrast light. This can help ease the disruptive sensation of spinning dizziness.
3. Drink Water
Drinking water may help suppress stomach acid and dilute it. In addition to water, you can also drink alkaline beverages to reduce acidity in the stomach, such as coconut water, low-fat milk, and plant-based milk.
4. Take Medication to Manage GERD
Taking medications that help manage stomach acid, such as antacids, ranitidine, and H2-receptor antagonists, may help soothe stomach acid symptoms. Some of these medications are available over the counter. However, for safer and more appropriate use, it is strongly recommended that you consult a doctor before taking any medication.
Things to Avoid with Vertigo and Stomach Acid

To prevent the distressing effects of vertigo caused by stomach acid from recurring, here are some things you should avoid:
1. Eating Foods High in Salt and Fat
Salty foods can affect the fluid balance in the ear, triggering increased pressure that may worsen vertigo. Meanwhile, fatty foods, such as fried foods and fatty meats, can cause stomach acid to rise.
2. Staying Up Late
Lack of sleep and poor sleep quality can increase your risk of stomach acid problems. Try to get at least 7 to 9 hours of rest each day to maintain your health.
3. Smoking and Alcohol
Smoking can cause stomach acid to rise. As a result, smokers are 23% more likely to develop GERD than nonsmokers.[3]
Similarly, alcohol consumption can worsen GERD and even damage the lining of your stomach.
Vertigo and stomach acid problems are both highly unpleasant, especially when you experience them at the same time. To keep them from disrupting your life, learn to recognize the signs of vertigo caused by stomach acid and take steps to manage it promptly. If necessary, consult a doctor to receive prompt treatment.
Shop Smart and Save at Sido Muncul Store!
Earn reward points with every purchase, collect points, and redeem them for discounts! The more points you earn, the more you save! Visit Sido Muncul Store today!