There are many possible causes of acid reflux, also called heartburn, and gas. Among the most common may be eating too much or eating foods that are irritating to the affected person’s digestive system. For example, some people develop such symptoms after consuming dairy products or spicy foods; lying down after eating may cause this problem as well. Sometimes, a person will even experience acid reflux and gas because of a physical problem, such as a hiatal hernia. If a person experiences acid reflux and gas on a regular basis, he may do well to consult with a doctor about its causes.
One of the most common causes of acid reflux and gas is overeating or eating foods that irritate the digestive system. People who eat smaller meals throughout the day may be less likely to suffer from acid reflux and gas. While eating three large meals a day may be considered normal in some places, doing so may increase a person’s risk of having uncomfortable symptoms.
Lying down soon after eating meals may also increase a person’s risk of experiencing acid reflux and gas. For example, people who eat dinner right before going to bed for the night may be more likely to experience unpleasant symptoms. The same goes for those who nap after eating or even just lie down to watch television or read after a meal. Interestingly, some people only notice gas and acid reflux symptoms when they lie down right after eating certain foods or specific combination of foods.
Sometimes the causes of acid reflux and gas are not related to a person’s habits, but are actually caused by a physical condition. Hiatal hernias, for example, are also among the most common causes of gas and acid reflux. This type of hernia occurs when the top portion of a person’s stomach is out of place. In such a case, it pokes through the diaphragm, which is muscle that divides a person's chest from his abdomen, and into his chest.
A pregnant woman may experience both pleasant and unpleasant symptoms while she is expecting. Among the least pleasant symptoms she may experience are acid reflux and gas. As a woman’s baby grows, her abdominal region gradually becomes more crowded. Over time, her expanding uterus may place pressure on her stomach. This pressure, in turn, may lead to gas and the backward movement of stomach contents up through the esophagus.