Heartburn, or gastroesophageal reflux disease is a frequent condition and it occurs when stomach acid moves upward from the stomach into the esophagus. The connection between acid reflux and bloating is that gas and GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) are both digestive system issues that may have similar origins.
Bloating or Flatulence: Gas Buildup in the Intestines
Undigested food is often fermented or digested by gut bacteria, which results in gas in the colon or small intestine. Additionally, incomplete digestion of some meal components, such as the gluten present in most grains or the sugar in dairy and fruit, can result in bloating.
Additional potential causes of intestinal gas include:
- Inadequate absorption of carbohydrates might throw off the beneficial bacterial balance in your digestive tract.
- A change in the bacteria in the small intestines
- A gastrointestinal disorder
- Constipation
- Fizzy drinks
The Link Between Acid Reflux and Bloating
When stomach contents, especially stomach acid, move upward from the stomach into the esophagus, it is known as acid or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Bloating isn’t caused by acid reflux per se, but there are common contributing causes.
Bloating or gas is made up of carbon dioxide, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, and methane. It results from bacteria in the intestines breaking down food.
Is Acid Reflux the Cause of Bloating?
Gas or bloating are not directly caused by acid reflux, but a lot of the same factors that cause gas can also cause acid reflux, including:
- Your diet: Some items that make you gassy might also make your GERD worse. So, changing your diet may help relieve acid reflux and lessen bloating.
- Swallowing Air: You may belch more to get relief from acid reflux. Belching, however, may result in swallowing air, which may raise the risk of developing reflux.
- Co-occurring conditions: GERD and several other diseases can coexist and create gas. This covers indigestion, obesity, and IBS.
- Gas-bloat syndrome: it can occur in patients who have undergone fundoplication surgery to treat GERD. The procedure stops you from being able to vomit or belch, which might cause gas. However, this condition usually goes away on its own a few weeks after surgery.
How to Prevent Bloating
People may take several actions to cut back on gas, including:
- Refraining from smoking
- Avoiding fizzy drinks and sipping via a straw
- Not talking while eating or drinking
- Not sucking on hard or chewing gum
- Consuming less foods heavy in lactose, fructose, or fiber.
Conclusion!
While there isn’t a direct connection between acid reflux and bloating, both conditions have common contributing causes. Bloating, excessive belching, and acid reflux usually go on their own. However, you may need to see a doctor if your symptoms don’t improve.
Visit us at Gastroenterology for further information or consultation. Book your appointment by calling (281) 357-1977.