Heartburn and Gas Are Common Symptoms of Acid Reflux and Ulcers
Heartburn and gas are common symptoms of digestive problems related to acid reflux. They may also be related to the development of stomach ulcers. These two symptoms are very common among the general population and most people experience both a few times in their lives or more.
While not usually a cause for significant concern, heartburn symptoms and gas can be uncomfortable or painful. Heartburn happens when stomach acids rise up into the esophagus, a part of the body that is not protected from acids. When this happens, we feel a burning sensation in the chest. Gas can be just as painful, especially in cases where it is difficult to belch.
There are two types of digestive gasses; the kind that develops in the stomach and the kind that develops in the intestines. Gas that is associated with heartburn develops in the stomach and can make us feel bloated and full. This is called gastric pressure and it is the same force that can cause stomach acids to rise up and cause heartburn.
People who experience gas and heartburn often regurgitate stomach acids as well. Regurgitation happens when the acids that cause heartburn make it all the way up the esophagus and into the mouth. It causes a sour taste in on the tongue and can leave a sore throat behind in its wake.
What Causes Gas with Heartburn?
Heartburn is always caused by acid reflux. This may happen because of food we have eating, some beverage we have consumed, or because the stomach is producing too much acid. Another common cause of heartburn that was mentioned above is gastric pressure – which includes the accumulation of gasses in the stomach.
Gas can also accumulate when we drink carbonated beverages like sodas or sparkling water and juices. Swallowing too much air while we are eating or drinking will cause air to be trapped in the stomach as well. (This can happen if we try to eat too quickly.)
Gastric pressures in the stomach are usually cause by the digestion of food. As the food breaks down, it releases carbon dioxide and other gasses into the stomach. When the pressure becomes more than the lower esophageal muscles (LES) can handle, we belch.
The LES is responsible for keep the contents of our stomach in our stomach. But when gas builds up, the LES opens to let it out. If there is a high amount of stomach acids present, they may come out with the gas. Since the gas is forced to rise all the way out of our esophagus, any acids in front of the gas are going to come up too –this is regurgitation.
Another common cause of gas is a bacterium that causes peptic ulcers and gastritis (swelling of the stomach lining). Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and peptic ulcers are often present at the same time.
The bacteria, known as h. pylori, survive in the acid environment of the stomach by creating ammonia to neutralize nearby stomach acids. It created ammonia by converting a naturally occurring urea into ammonia. During this process, carbon dioxide is produced. This gas can also lead to excessive belching, which can be a sign of h. pylori infection.
Gas with heartburn is most commonly a product of our diet, however. Fatty foods that are rich in animal proteins are harder to digest and remain in the stomach for a longer period of time than other types of food. While they are there, the stomach is creating as much acid as it takes to digest the substances.
If the LES opens during this period, we can experience heartburn. This type of food also causes gasses to be released as it is broken down into something that can pass through the stomach to the intestines, which leads to a rise in gas.
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