“What causes heartburn and bloating in the stomach?”
What are the most common reasons that could result in heartburn as well as the bloating in the stomach? Is it food related or something to do with the digestive system? I have been facing severe heartburn and the bloating feeling in my stomach. Please advice the best ways to tackle the same.
2 Answers
Heatburn is caused when stomach acid travels up into the esophagus where it shouldn't be. The acid in the esophagus causes a painful burning which is felt as heartburn.
Bloating is a different problem altogether. It is not well understood but bloating can be experienced when someone has a sensitive stomach, such that eating food causes discomfort, which GI docs call dyspepsia. Another cause may be that the bloating sensation actually originates in the small intestine and not the stomach itself. The bloating from the small intestine can happen after eating certain foods (especially carbohydrates) that pull fluid into the intestinal lumen, causing stretching of the intestines and hence a bloated feeling or actual abdominal distension.
These symptoms are best evaluated by a primary care doctor or gastroenterologist to determine if any testing is needed or if treatment can be offered. Anti-acid medications often help heartburn but don't typically help bloating.
Hope this helps.
Dr. Christian Stone
Bloating is a different problem altogether. It is not well understood but bloating can be experienced when someone has a sensitive stomach, such that eating food causes discomfort, which GI docs call dyspepsia. Another cause may be that the bloating sensation actually originates in the small intestine and not the stomach itself. The bloating from the small intestine can happen after eating certain foods (especially carbohydrates) that pull fluid into the intestinal lumen, causing stretching of the intestines and hence a bloated feeling or actual abdominal distension.
These symptoms are best evaluated by a primary care doctor or gastroenterologist to determine if any testing is needed or if treatment can be offered. Anti-acid medications often help heartburn but don't typically help bloating.
Hope this helps.
Dr. Christian Stone
Long standing and severe heartburn should never be ignored. Complications from untreated acid reflux disease can cause considerable distress at a later stage.
Please make an appointment to see a Gastroenterologist of your chioce.
Please make an appointment to see a Gastroenterologist of your chioce.
