Difference between Gas and Acidity Symptoms

Gas vs. Acidity Symptoms: Key Differences Explained

Gas and acidity are not the same, but both can occur simultaneously, as both are related to digestive disorders. Acidity occurs due to excess stomach acid flowing back into the oesophagus. Gas, on the other hand, is the accumulation of excess air or gas in the digestive tract, leading to burping, flatulence, and bloating. Read this guide to have a detailed understanding of both.

Key Differences Between Gas and Acidity Symptoms

The following table mentions the significant differences between gas and acidity symptoms:

Symptoms	Gas	Acidity
Location of discomfort	Generally, it often causes bloating or fullness in the abdomen.	Intense burning sensation in the chest or throat region.
Sensation	Fullness, burping, bloating, abdominal cramps, and passing gas.	Burning sensation, nausea, difficulty swallowing, and sour taste.
Triggers	Eating specific types of foods, swallowing air, or overeating.	Fatty foods, or spicy foods, lying down after having a meal, and consuming caffeine or alcohol.
Relief Measures	Antacids, dietary changes, and medications to cure indigestion.	Acid-suppressing medications, antacids, and lifestyle adjustments (having minimal meals).

Risk Factors of Acidity

Chronic acidity can lead to GERD (Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease). Here are a few risks that can contribute to the development of GERD.

Obesity

Weight gain or obesity puts more strain on your abdomen, which can aggravate acidity symptoms. Though the direct connection between obesity and GERD is still under research, experts suggest that obesity can have a significant impact on acid formation.

Medications

Certain medications can induce excess acid formation in the stomach, causing it to flow back into the digestive tract. These include:

Calcium channel blockers for treating heart diseases.
Anticholinergics to treat glaucoma, allergies, or injuries in the urinary tract.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antihistamines
Benzodiazepines
Dopamine

Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) Relaxation

LES is the most common cause of acid reflux in patients, as it controls the closure and opening of the lower end of the digestive tract. Additionally, it functions as a pressure barrier to the stomach contents. It will not close properly if it is weak or has lost tone, which will flood the oesophagus with excess stomach acid.

Impaired Stomach Function

Patients suffering from acidity may have aberrant muscle or nerve activities in the stomach, which hinders digestion or stomach acid. This causes delays in the discharge of its contents, increasing internal pressure and enhancing the risk of acid reflux.

Risk Factors of Gas

Here are some factors that contribute to the excessive formation of gas in your digestive tract.

Bacteria from the Large Intestine

Foods containing a high amount of sugars, fibres, and starches fail to digest completely in the large intestine. Thus, microbes break down those carbohydrates, causing increased gas formation. Eating more of these foods can lead to more gas symptoms, causing burping.

Medical Illnesses

Certain illnesses can contribute to excess gas formation, including:

Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Gastrointestinal Diseases
Lactose intolerance
Constipation

Increase in Bacteria in the Small Intestine

An increase in the quantity of bacteria in your small intestine, also known as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, can lead to diarrhoea or indigestion. Frequent medical conditions may also lead to complications, like bacterial overgrowth.

While gas and acidity share some overlapping digestive symptoms, they stem from different causes and affect different parts of the digestive system. Understanding their distinctions, triggers, and risk factors is essential for effective management and treatment. Awareness can help prevent complications and improve overall digestive health.