Daniel Mausner, M.D., section head of gastroenterology at Mercy Medical Center in Rockville Center, N.Y., spoke to WebMD on the uncomfortable topic of heartburn, and advised that carbonated beverages are best avoided by anyone prone to this problem. According to Mausner, carbonation can cause gastric distension, which puts pressure on the LES and can lead to acid reflux. 

There have been several studies linking the consumption of carbonated beverages to heartburn, including one cited by Healthline that showed a 69 percent increase in reflux symptoms among subjects who consumed drinks with carbonation. Sodas and beer are obvious culprits, to be sure, but even the bubbles in sparkling water, spiked seltzer, or the finest French champagne will also lead to that "full of air" feeling that frequently precedes reflux pain.