Acidity and reflux are upper-gut problems: burning behind the breastbone or in the upper abdomen, sour belching, worse when lying down or after a heavy late meal. IBS is a lower-gut problem: pain with a change in bowel habit, bloating and urgency.
Different triggers, different fixes
Acidity responds to meal size, timing, the gap before sleep and sitting upright afterwards. IBS responds to meal rhythm, fibre balance, stress and sleep. The two can coexist, which is why a symptom diary is worth more than a guess.
What to watch
Difficulty swallowing, persistent vomiting, weight loss or black stools mean a doctor's visit, not a change of diet.
This website is intended for general health education and wellness information. The information given here is not a substitute for individual medical diagnosis or emergency medical treatment. For any serious, new or persistent symptom, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.