Cause and effect relationships link acid reflux and bloating, and each condition can lead to the other. The pressure from the swelling can cause stomach acid to rise up into the esophagus, triggering acid reflux. On the other hand, the increased acid triggers a swallowing reflex, often drawing air into the stomach. As a result, acid reflux and bloating often occur together.
Acid reflux, also known as heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a condition in which the liquid contents of the stomach back 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 builds up in the stomach, either from overeating or bloating, the pressure on the LES increases. With enough pressure, small amounts of fluid can pass through the LES into the esophagus. Acid reflux and bloating often occur together in this way.
Bloating is a condition in which gases get trapped in the stomach. When eating, air is swallowed along with the food. More air is ingested when food is eaten quickly. Gas is also produced during digestion, and some foods such as soft drinks contain large amounts of gas. Normally, these gases are not present at levels sufficient to cause discomfort, but when large amounts of gas are trapped, the stomach can become distended and bloated.
During an acid reflux attack, the body responds by swallowing to push fluid back into the stomach. Air is also swallowed during this process. Frequent swallowing from acid reflux may fill the stomach with air and cause bloating.
High levels of stomach acid are often attributed to acid reflux and bloating, but more often than not the opposite is true, with large amounts of fluids taken during 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 move into the intestines. However, digestion still produces gas, and gas increases pressure in the stomach, causing bloating.
Some foods produce large amounts of gas. Acid reflux and bloating are more likely when one eats cabbage, Brussels sprouts, baked beans, carbonated beverages, or fruits such as apples, peaches, and pears. Chewing gum and smoking cause you to swallow more air and bloating is also more likely to occur.
Medical conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, lactose intolerance, or celiac disease can also disrupt normal digestion, causing acid reflux and bloating. Pressure on the stomach and LES is often responsible for acid reflux, and the bloating will add to the pressure created by obesity. Infection or illness can also be responsible for some interruptions in normal digestion. For chronic cases, medical attention is recommended.