GERD is a condition where stomach acid regularly flows back up into the esophagus, causing symptoms like heartburn, chest discomfort, sour taste, or throat irritation. Ongoing acid reflux can irritate the throat and chest and may sometimes contribute to symptoms like nausea, lightheadedness, or discomfort that overlaps with dizziness. Some patients can have silent GERD called LPR, which may not be detected except with a scope of their throat.
Patients with GERD, LPR, and acid reflux can have stomach acid and food particles that travel through their eustachian tube while they sleep. The eustachian tube connects their throat to the ear. If acid or food particles pass from the throat to the ear while a patient is sleeping, it can cause a vertigo attack from their ear.
The two most common type of vertigo from GERD are BPPV and labyrinthitis. Vertigo from GERD, LPR, or acid reflux can also affect hearing. This concept is not widely known or discussed in the medical community, often leaving these patients to solve their own mystery case of vertigo. For a more detailed discussion on this topic, click here.
Disclaimer
This blog is provided for informational and educational purposes only. The content and any comments by Dr. Kim Bell, DPT are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The details of any case mentioned in this post represent a typical patient that Dr. Bell might see and do not describe the circumstances of a specific individual.
