It seems like you have GERD or acid reflux.
Its main symptoms are heartburn (a burning pain in the middle of the chest), acid regurgitation (stomach acid reaching up the esophagus and even throat), and nausea.
It is common to have more prominent symptoms when you lay down since the gravity (protective mechanism for acid reflux not to occur) is absent.
Attacks of acid reflux tend to be more severe during nights (swallowing is absent, saliva production is decreased, both protective mechanisms).
You should avoid certain foods that can trigger an attack of acid reflux, eat you meal at least 3 hours before sleep, and try to sleep with two pillows to have your head more elevated).
A gnawing or burning stomach pain just below the breast bone can be experienced.
Chest pains are additional symptom, too.
IBS and acid reflux, can be present at the same time, but not related.
In some cases it is possible that they have been both triggered by stress.
IBS is manifested with cramping abdominal pain, alternated bowel movements, abdominal bloating.

Best wishes!

I have suffered with both and don't believe your trip has anything to do with your AR and IBS. Your diet is the main culprit. Too much acid; tomatoes, soda, or acidic drinks, and not drinking enough water and eating late. You need to drink water (not with your meals, but a half hour after and not cold, but room temperature)and if you can start drinking prune juice daily or nightly; it clears out your bowels, naturally without the use of pills or laxatives. if that doesn't help, see a professional. P.S. I no longer suffer with either.

acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome & a host of other symptomatic issues can & are related to helicobacter pylori & yes i believe you probably have this relative to your travels. It's agreed that around 50% of the population could be infected with this parasite but very little know about it or treat it. check it out on the home page today 05/13/09 as my post.Do your home work, help your health!
God Bless!

I have both IBS and acid reflux. I find that when my IBS gets worse, my acid reflux tends to act up. I tried all the acid reflux medications, and nothing helped. So, finally I decided to change up my diet and that helped my reflux tremendously. I barely ever get attacks, not even when my IBS gets bad. I swear if you dont eat past 7pm and dont eat greasy or fatty foods, your acid reflux will get a lot better. My attacks were mostly right before bed or right when I woke up and this really helped me. Also, be wary of foods that contain a lot of acid, especially soda (which unfortunately I love) which causes really bad bloating and reflux attacks. Also, for your IBS, I reccomend exercising and yoga. I know this seems strange, but stress is a huge factor in IBS and yoga helps alleviate stress as well as IBS symptoms. Exercise also helps a lot. I tried all the IBS medications such as Erithromyacin, Amatiza, laxatives, and even natural stuff such as Acai. The only thing that helped me was exercise. PLEASEEE do it. I hate every second of it, but it really does make me feel better. Also, you may want to try the Acai berry pills because they do help a lot of people. Unfortunately, my symptoms are so bad that they didn't help that much (but they did help some). If you get bad stomach or abdominal pain, take peppermint oil pills or drink peppermint tea to alleviate the pain (I promise it really helps!). Steeping ginger in water, and drinking cucmbers in water (simply slice up cucumbers and place them in your water) also helps. These natural remedies also help with gas and bloating. I hope this helps you! I have had severe IBS for my entire life, so I know how bad it is. Get well soon!