Stomach acidity or hyperacidity is caused by many different diseases and other factors. It can lead to different, but also very typical symptoms.
What is stomach hyperacidity?
In gastric hyperacidity, also called hyperacidity, there is a marked increase in the production of gastric acid by the stomach lining. It is not a disease in the true sense, but merely a symptom with which the stomach reacts to various illnesses and states of stress. The so-called occupant cells of the gastric mucosa produce hydrochloric acid to enable digestive processes and to kill pathogens. The amount of gastric acid required is determined by certain stimuli and subsequently produced by the gastric mucosa. In the case of gastric hyperacidity, however, there is excessive production of hydrochloric acid, due to an exaggerated reaction of the stomach. If there is permanent gastric acidity, not only the unpleasant symptoms occur, but also damage to the stomach, small intestine or esophagus are possible.
Causes
Stomach acidity can have a wide variety of causes, as the production of hydrochloric acid is regulated by various processes. For example, excessive consumption of coffee, nicotine, fatty food or alcohol stimulate the acid production of the stomach. But also personal problems, big annoyances or stress irritate the stomach and lead to stomach acidity. However, certain medications, especially those containing acetylsalicylic acid, also have the same effect. So-called proton pump inhibitors should therefore be taken if they are taken on a permanent basis. These drugs specifically reduce the production of gastric acid. If Helicobacter pylori bacteria have taken up residence in the gastric mucosa, this also leads to increased production of gastric acid, as the stomach tries to fight the bacteria in this way. Certain conditions, such as gastritis and an ulcer of the stomach lining or duodenum, can also lead to stomach acidity.
Symptoms, complaints and signs
The signs of stomach acidity (hyperacidity) can show varying intensity. In numerous cases, the symptoms subside on their own in response to eating too much fat or drinking too much alcohol. Symptoms of gastric hyperacidity may present themselves as minor impairments, but they can also be painful. Typical signs of stomach acidity are acid regurgitation, heartburn and bad breath. In many cases, a feeling of fullness also occurs. The many symptoms also include a sharp pain in the stomach area and a burning pain in the area of the esophagus and the entrance to the stomach. Abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting may also occur. Harmless consequences such as flatulence can also occur as a side effect of stomach acidity. In individual cases, loss of appetite may also occur. If the stomach acid rises dramatically in the esophagus, this can lead to coughing or hoarseness in the affected person. Over a longer period of time, damage to the teeth can also develop. Unpleasant bad breath is also more likely to occur. As a result of prolonged, intense gastric hyperacidity, gastritis may develop. Therefore, it may also present itself as a symptom of gastric hyperacidity. Inferences of gastric acidity may even include gastric ulcers or asthma. Sore throat may also occur as a sign of excess stomach acid. Changes in eating habits, especially a stronger craving for milk, can also be signs of stomach acidity.
Diagnosis and course
The diagnosis of gastric acidity is basically made on the basis of the medical history and a thorough physical examination. The most important symptoms here are: Heartburn, bloating, acid regurgitation, nausea or vomiting. However, if the condition is already chronic, it may progress almost without symptoms. To further clarify the diagnosis, especially in the case of long-term conditions, a gastroscopy can be performed. In this procedure, a special endoscope is inserted through the mouth into the esophagus, stomach and duodenum, allowing an insight into these areas. Furthermore, a biopsy, a sampling of the gastric mucosa, can be performed.The transition to the duodenum can also be examined during gastroscopy and a duodenal ulcer can be ruled out. Gastric acidity that is only short-term does not cause serious damage. However, if it is chronic, the gastric mucosa may be damaged. But also the duodenum and the esophagus can be damaged. Possible consequences of gastric acidity can therefore be: gastritis, gastric or duodenal ulcer, reflux disease and tumor disease of the esophagus.
Complications
As a rule, the further course of this disease depends greatly on its cause. In most cases, those affected by gastric hyperacidity suffer from a bloated abdomen and a feeling of fullness. As a rule, heartburn also occurs, which can considerably reduce and limit the patient’s quality of life. Furthermore, gastric hyperacidity is associated with relatively severe stomach pain. Not infrequently, those affected also have to vomit and suffer from severe nausea. This can also lead to a loss of appetite, so that patients lose weight or have a lack of nutrients. Complications usually occur with gastric acidity when it persists for a long period of time and does not go away on its own. This can also lead to the development of ulcers or cancer. For this reason, a doctor should be consulted in any case. The treatment of gastric acidity can be done in most cases by a strict diet and with the help of medications. There are no particular complications. However, the life expectancy of the affected person may be limited if a tumor or ulcer has developed.
When should one go to the doctor?
Heartburn, bad breath or belching are often experienced as unpleasant by the affected person. The complaints should be discussed with a doctor as soon as they persist over a longer period of time or are perceived as a disturbance in everyday life. A feeling of fullness despite a healthy and balanced diet is considered unusual. If there is a loss of appetite or a decrease in body weight, it is advisable to consult a doctor. If abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting occurs, a doctor is needed. Taking a painkilling medication should be refrained from without consulting a medical professional. There is a risk of further discomfort and additional complications. If the affected person suffers from an unpleasant taste in the mouth, flatulence occurs or a general feeling of malaise develops, a visit to the doctor should be made. Changed eating habits or rejection of foods that were previously readily eaten are indications of existing irregularities. A check-up visit to a doctor is recommended so that the cause of the changes can be determined. Sufferers of gastric hyperacidity often report an increased need for milk. If anything of the sort is noticed, clarification of the observation is advised. If there is a cough, hoarseness or throat discomfort, there is a health condition that should be investigated by a physician.
Treatment and therapy
To treat stomach acidity, triggering factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, stress, fatty and spicy food should first be avoided. Medication consumption should also be kept to a minimum. If this is not possible, proton pump inhibitors can be taken. These block the excessive production of gastric acid. Furthermore, it is possible to minimize the production of stomach acid with medications based on the active ingredient ranitidine or to neutralize the stomach acid already formed with the active ingredient antacids. If the stomach acidity is due to an infestation with the Helicobacter pylori bacteria, these bacteria must first be combated. In addition to proton pump inhibitors, an antibiotic is administered in such a case to eliminate gastric acidity.
Outlook and prognosis
The prognosis for gastric acidity remains constant if the affected person does not make any lifestyle changes. The diet must be optimized and adapted to the needs of the organism so that an improvement in the situation occurs and freedom from symptoms can be documented. The diet must be revised and the intake of harmful substances such as alcohol and nicotine or coffee must be reduced to a minimum.It is advisable to completely abstain from the above-mentioned products during the healing process. In addition, it is necessary to check which medications are being taken. In some cases, the active ingredients of the preparations can lead to overacidification of the stomach. Here, spontaneous healing can be expected if alternative medicines are used. If the patient maintains his lifestyle and thus his diet unchanged, at best the existing complaints will remain. In case of an unfavorable course, complications and secondary diseases occur. Stomach ulcers can form or a chronic disease such as asthma can develop. In addition, the risk of developing a tumor increases. In these cases, the prognosis is considerably worse and, if left untreated, can lead to a life-threatening course in individual cases. If there is a loss of appetite, the affected person is at risk of developing an eating disorder. This can also become a life-threatening condition if left untreated.
Prevention
To prevent gastric hyperacidity should try to avoid states of stress and the triggering factors, such as medication, alcohol, nicotine, coffee consumption, fatty and spicy food. But also very fast food under time pressure irritates the stomach and should be avoided. Basically, it may be necessary to rethink and change the entire eating behavior. However, if one approaches eating with time, desire and an interest in healthy nutrition, there is no risk of stomach acidity. People who are prone to stomach acidity can keep their stomach in balance by using healing clay.
Aftercare
The need for follow-up care for stomach acidity is closely related to whether a one-time food ingestion event or a medical condition was behind this symptom. Sometimes it is a short-term phenomenon that usually resolves spontaneously and thus does not require further follow-up. If, however, the stomach acidity was a disease, the patient can ask the family doctor (or pediatrician) or internist for advice as part of follow-up care after the illness has ended. In many cases, however, follow-up care can be left in the hands of the patient alone. If it is a recurring event caused by an intolerance or allergy, it is important to consistently avoid these foods. Dieticians or nutritionists can also provide help here when it comes to food choices. Some foods can also be taken together with certain tablets to become tolerated. In this context, follow-up care also includes ensuring a healthy diet despite intolerance and the need to avoid certain foods by ensuring balance through alternative foods. Close coordination with the attending physician can also ensure that serious illnesses are diagnosed in good time and treatment is initiated. Affected individuals should therefore not wait long to visit their doctor if symptoms persist.
What you can do yourself
Anyone who regularly suffers from stomach acidity should see a doctor and have the causes clarified. Occasional disorders of this type can also be treated with home remedies. Acid regurgitation very often occurs after consuming too much coffee or alcohol. Very fatty, very spicy or very acidic foods can also lead to this effect. Sufferers should monitor themselves to identify their specific risk factors, which can vary greatly from individual to individual. Stomach acidity is best prevented by avoiding these risk factors. Those who like to eat animal foods and regularly react to them with stomach acidity should try plant-based alternatives, which usually contain about 30 percent less fat and are more tolerable for that reason alone. Black coffee, especially on an empty stomach, can also lead to hyperacidity and irritation of the stomach lining. Those who are sensitive should eat a snack in the morning and drink their coffee with (plant) milk. In addition, attention should generally be paid to a healthy, low-fat and high-fiber diet. Acute stomach acidity can be combated with antacids, which are available without prescription in pharmacies and drugstores. Those who prefer natural remedies can take bullrich salt or healing clay.Individuals for whom stomach acidity is regularly a result of stress should learn relaxation techniques.
