Acid reflux and bloating are linked, with pressure from bloating causing stomach acid to rise into the esophagus, and increased acid triggering a swallowing reflex that draws air into the stomach. Bloating occurs when gas gets trapped in the stomach, and can be caused by swallowing air while eating, digestion, or certain foods. Medical conditions can also cause acid reflux and bloating.
Cause-and-effect relationships link acid reflux and bloating, with each condition potentially leading to the other. Pressure from bloating can cause stomach acid to rise into the esophagus, triggering acid reflux. On the other hand, increased acid triggers a swallowing reflex, often drawing air into the stomach. Consequently, these conditions often occur together.
Acid reflux, also known as heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a condition in which liquid stomach contents rise up into the esophagus. The acid content of this liquid is responsible for the burning sensation. A muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is responsible for preventing acid reflux.
When pressure in the stomach increases, whether from overeating or bloating, the pressure on the LES increases. With enough pressure, small amounts of fluid can squeeze through the LES into the esophagus. Acid reflux and bloating often occur together like this.
Bloating is a condition where gas gets trapped in the stomach. When eating, air is swallowed together with the food. More air is swallowed when food is eaten quickly. Gases are also produced during digestion and some foods such as carbonated drinks contain large amounts of gas. Normally, these gases are not present in sufficient levels to cause discomfort, but when large amounts of gas become trapped, the stomach can dilate and swell.
During an acid reflux attack, the body responds by swallowing to push fluid into the stomach. Air is also ingested during this process. It is possible that frequent acid reflux swallowing fills the stomach with air and causes bloating.
High levels of stomach acid are often blamed for bloating and acid reflux, but more often the opposite is true, with large amounts of fluids taken with meals diluting stomach acids. Insufficient levels of acid in the stomach slow down the digestion process. Fatty foods are also known to slow down digestion. Solid and liquid foods cannot enter the intestines. Digestion still produces gas, and gas increases pressure in the stomach, causing bloating.
Some foods produce higher amounts of gas. Acid reflux and bloating are more likely when you eat cabbage, Brussels sprouts, baked beans, carbonated drinks, or fruits like apples, peaches, and pears. Chewing gum and smoking cause you to swallow more air and also make bloating more likely.
Medical conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, lactose intolerance, or celiac disease could also disrupt normal digestion, causing acid reflux and bloating. Pressure on the stomach and LES is often responsible for acid reflux, and bloating adds to the pressure created by obesity. Infection or illness could also be responsible for some disruptions in normal digestion. For chronic cases, medical assistance is recommended.
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