Complaints of headaches, stuffy noses and watery eyes are common this time of year, but allergies may not be the cause of all those symptoms.

The latest research suggests that acid reflux might be the cause of allergy-like symptoms in some people.

“The same acid in your stomach makes its way up in certain patients through the esophagus, through the back of the mouth and into the nose and causes the same symptoms in patients who have allergies,” University of Texas Southwestern allergist Ganesh Shanmugam said.

UT Southwestern is testing that theory through a series of clinical trials. The results will tell patients if their symptoms are caused by acid reflux or allergies.

“I don't have acid reflux,” clinical trial patient Erin Anderson said. “Why would that cause my headaches?”

Patients who have all the signs of allergies but haven’t tested positive for allergens take acid reflux medication Nexium for eight weeks and then a placebo. So far, doctors and patients say they see a difference.

“I didn't feel like I had the sore throat-type issues, just the intense pain and pressure,” Anderson said. “Helped to alleviate a lot of those symptoms.”

If the results of the study are promising, more trials could come.

Acid Reflux Trial Eligibility:
• Must be between 18 and 80
• Have negative skin test
• Not on proton pump inhibitor in the last month
• Not pregnant or breast-feeding

For more information:

Call 214-648-7602

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