What causes stomach acid, bloating, acid reflux, and heartburn?

Sep 18, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Huang Yuhong

Introduction

In general, the main causes of stomach acid, bloating, acid reflux, and heartburn include improper diet, high levels of mental stress, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), chronic gastritis, and gastric ulcers. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. In daily life, one should maintain regular eating habits and avoid overeating; reduce intake of coffee and strong tea; and maintain a positive mindset, avoiding excessive tension.

Under normal circumstances, the main causes of stomach acid, bloating, acid reflux, and heartburn include improper diet, high mental stress, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), chronic gastritis, gastric ulcers, etc. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention at a正规 hospital for diagnosis and treatment. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Improper Diet

Consuming excessive spicy, sour, or sweet foods, or overeating, can stimulate the gastric mucosa to secrete large amounts of stomach acid, increasing intra-gastric pressure and causing discomfort. Adjust your diet by eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding spicy, sour, and sweet foods, and refraining from lying down immediately after eating. Take a light walk instead.

2. High Mental Stress

Long-term anxiety and tension can affect gastrointestinal nerve function, leading to slowed gastric motility and disrupted gastric acid secretion, resulting in bloating and acid reflux. Alleviate stress through activities such as listening to music or exercising, maintain regular sleep patterns, avoid staying up late, and keep emotions stable.

3. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Weakened lower esophageal sphincter function allows stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus, irritating the esophageal mucosa and causing heartburn and acid reflux. Under medical guidance, medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, domperidone tablets, and hydrotalcite chewable tablets may be taken. Elevate the head of the bed by 15–20 cm while sleeping.

4. Chronic Gastritis

Inflammation caused by Helicobacter pylori infection or mucosal damage leads to reduced gastric mucosal barrier function, allowing stomach acid to irritate the mucosa and cause bloating and acid reflux. Under medical supervision, medications such as rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets, amoxicillin capsules, and clarithromycin tablets may be used. Maintain a light diet during treatment and avoid alcohol consumption.

5. Gastric Ulcer

An ulcerative defect in the gastric mucosa allows stomach acid to irritate the ulcer site, causing pain and acid reflux, which may worsen after eating. Under medical guidance, medications such as pantoprazole sodium enteric-coated capsules, bismuth potassium citrate capsules, and metronidazole tablets may be prescribed. In severe cases where drug therapy is ineffective, partial gastrectomy may be required; follow postoperative dietary instructions as directed by your doctor.

In daily life, maintain regular eating habits and avoid overeating; reduce intake of coffee and strong tea; maintain a positive mindset and avoid excessive tension; and undergo regular gastrointestinal check-ups for early detection and treatment.

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Can people with cholecystitis eat sour foods?

In general, whether patients with cholecystitis can consume acidic foods depends on the stage of their condition and individual response. Acidic foods should be eaten slowly and chewed thoroughly, while monitoring for any discomfort such as abdominal pain or acid reflux; if discomfort occurs, stop immediately. Avoid overly sour, overly sweet, or acidic processed foods containing large amounts of fat. The diet should primarily consist of light, easily digestible foods, combined with fresh vegetables and high-quality protein.