The link between acid reflux and stomach pain

Heartburn, also known as gastroesophageal reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in its more severe and long lasting form, can cause several symptoms in your digestive system, including acid reflux and the consequent stomach pain.

People with acid reflux may experience a burning sensation in the left side of their upper abdomen, where the esophagus and the stomach connect. Acid reflux can also typically cause a burning sensation in the throat and the chest. This sensation occurs when the acid reaches the upper parts of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

Treating the underlying acid reflux should ease your symptoms, including stomach pain.

Acid reflux and stomach pain

GERD and acid reflux are common. About 20% of adults in the United States have this condition.

Acid reflux occurs when the digestive acids in your stomach flow back up into the esophagus. This occurs when the muscle that should keep your stomach sealed, called the lower esophageal sphincter, does not work properly and lets acid pass back up.

The esophageal sphincter opens and lets the food enter the stomach when you eat and keeps the stomach sealed when nothing is moving down from the esophagus. But if this muscle weakens, the stomach acid can flow back up and irritate the esophagus, causing pain and a burning sensation.

Stomach pain is a common symptom of GERD, alongside nausea, burping, and heartburn. When this occurs, you may feel a burning sensation or cramping pain in your stomach. A 2020 research suggests that stomach pain is a common GERD symptom in patients who filled out the questionnaire.

Other research states that there is often a link between GERD and dyspepsia, commonly known as indigestion, with an overlap appearing in 33% of cases. Stomach pain is one of the most common symptoms of dyspepsia.

The pain typically resolves on its own after a few hours. However, if the pain persists or worsens, you should contact a doctor. If you vomit blood or experience severe chest pain, you must seek urgent medical attention.

Other acid reflux symptoms

Other symptoms you may experience if you have acid reflux or GERD may include:

• hoarseness
• excessive saliva
• chronic cough
• foul-smelling breath
• difficulty swallowing
• sensation of a lump in the throat
• eroded tooth enamel
• nausea
• chest pain

Treatments

Doctors may recommend various medications to treat acid reflux and stomach pain, including both over-the-counter (OTC) medications and prescription drugs, depending on the severity of your symptoms. These may include:

Doctors can recommend the most appropriate treatment for your stomach pain and acid reflux and explain the side effects you may experience after taking these medications.

Certain bacteria may cause GERD and dyspepsia, so doctors might recommend you get a test before receiving treatment.

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Prevention

If you have GERD, you can take several steps that may help improve your symptoms and prevent acid reflux episodes and the accompanying stomach pain. This may include:

Avoiding specific foods

Stopping or significantly reducing the intake of certain foods, beverages, and spices that are well-known GERD triggers can help prevent stomach pain and acid reflux episodes. This includes:

• spicy food
• alcohol (if you drink)
• carbonated drinks
• coffee and drinks containing caffeine
• citrus fruits and juices
• fried and high fat foods
• peppermint
• garlic and onion
• tomato and tomato products
• chocolate

Eating smaller meals more frequently instead of having large, heavy meals can also help prevent acid reflux and GERD episodes. This can also help prevent indigestion, which might be causing your stomach pain.

Quit smoking

Smoking can irritate the entire GI tract and increase the risk of GERD episodes. Quitting smoking can significantly decrease the risk of acid reflux and improve your general health.

Maintaining a moderate weight

Doing physical exercise regularly and maintaining a moderate weight can help prevent GERD episodes. People who have overweight have a significantly higher risk of developing GERD and acid reflux.

Elevating the head when sleeping

If you experience GERD when you go to sleep, you should avoid eating meals 2–3 hours before lying down. Elevating your head and shoulders with a couple of pillows or sleeping on your left side may also help reduce acid reflux.

Summary

Stomach pain is a common symptom of acid reflux and GERD. People with this condition may also experience other symptoms, such as a burning sensation in their throat or esophagus.

Doctors will likely recommend OTC medications or prescribe drugs to reduce stomach acid levels and improve your symptoms. But you may also see benefits from changing your lifestyle and diet, avoiding foods that can trigger GERD, quitting smoking (if you smoke), and maintaining a moderate body weight.

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