If you have chronic acid reflux, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Gas and bloating can occur alongside GERD. This can have various causes.

Passing gas and feeling bloated, while potentially awkward, is generally normal and not a cause for concern. Acid reflux, however, cannot only be uncomfortable. It can develop into GERD and lead to health complications if left untreated.

Read on to learn more about how acid reflux can occur alongside gas and bloating and how these uncomfortable symptoms can be treated.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also known as chronic acid reflux, affects about 20% percent of people in the United States. Gas, on the other hand, is a very common symptom that isn’t necessarily associated with a medical condition like GERD. In other words, everyone experiences gas from time to time.

Gas is made up mostly of carbon dioxide, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, and methane. It’s caused by either swallowing air or the breakdown of foods by bacteria in the colon.

When gas is released, it’s called flatulence. The average person passes gas about 13 to 21 times per day. Or you can experience trapped gas, which is when gas in your abdomen gets stuck. This can lead to bloating and can be painful.

Acid reflux or GERD by itself does not directly cause gas or bloating. However, many of the things that contribute to gas can also lead to acid reflux. This includes:

  • Your diet: Certain foods that cause gas can also trigger GERD flare-ups. That’s why changing your diet may help treat both acid reflux and help reduce excessive gas.
  • Swallowing air: When you have acid reflux, you may belch more to find relief. However, belching can lead to swallowing air, which might actually increase the chance of getting reflux.
  • Co-occurring conditions: Some conditions that do cause gas often occur along GERD. This includes IBS, obesity, and indigestion.
  • Gas-bloat syndrome: This can develop rarely in people who’ve had fundoplication surgery to correct GERD. The surgery prevents belching and your ability to vomit, which can lead to gas. That said, in most cases, this resolves on its own a few weeks after surgery.

There are different treatments for acid reflux and GERD. These include medications, home remedies, and lifestyle changes. Some common medications for GERD include proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2 blockers, and antacids.

Some of the remedies and lifestyle changes that can help you manage GERD can also help you manage gas and bloating. This includes avoiding smoking and alcohol and changing your diet.

There are also medications to control gas, such as simethicone (Gas-X) or a certain type of Tums, which are available over-the-counter. Tums can also relieve heartburn, which is related to acid reflux.

If you’re experiencing acid reflux more than twice a week for a prolonged time, see your doctor to be evaluated for GERD.

Similarly, if you experience bloating or gas a lot, and especially if you’re also having other symptoms, it’s a good idea to see your doctor to find the underlying cause so that you can get the right treatment.

Acid reflux, bloating, and gas are common symptoms everyone experiences from time to time. But if you have them a lot, there’s no reason to accept the discomfort, as there are treatments that can help

How long does acid reflux and gas last?

Generally, episodes of acid reflux and heartburn tend to last a few hours. However, this depends on the underlying cause. Similarly, bloating and gas should go away in a few hours. If they do not, see your doctor.

Does high acidity cause bloating?

High stomach acid can lead to both acid reflux and bloating.

Why do I have bloating and acid reflux at night?

Acid reflux and bloating or gas can have all kinds of triggers. Nighttime symptoms of acid reflux tend to be worse because the concentration of stomach acid is higher at night, and being in a lying position makes it easier for the acid to remain in the esophagus since gravity does not bring the acid back into the stomach. Triggers that may make this worse include eating certain foods too close to bedtime and taking certain medications.

Gas is caused by either swallowing air or the breakdown of food in the colon by bacteria. When gas is released from the body, it is known as flatulence. On the other hand, trapped gas occurs when gas becomes stuck in the abdomen.

This can cause discomfort and bloating. It is not uncommon for people with acid reflux or GERD to also experience gas and bloating, and this could have several underlying causes. Treatments for these symptoms include lifestyle changes and medications if needed.