Stomach acid:
The stomach's job is to help digest the food that is eaten, one way to do this is through the use of stomach acid, which is also called stomach acid. The primary component of stomach acid is hydrochloric acid.
The stomach lining naturally releases stomach acid. This secretion is controlled by hormones and the nervous system. Sometimes the stomach can produce a lot of stomach acid, which can cause a lot of unpleasant symptoms.
What can cause a high stomach acid?
There are many conditions that can cause a high stomach acid. These conditions often cause an increase in the manufacture of the hormone gastrin. Gastrin is a hormone that sends into the stomach and tells it to produce more stomach acid.
Some of the more common causes include:
Excessive acid reflux secretion: H2 blockers are a form of medication that can dilute stomach acid. Sometimes people using this medicine can have an increase in stomach acid. There is evidence that this can also result from exit from proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), although this is controversial.
Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome: With this rare condition, tumors called gastrinomas form in the pancreas and small intestine. A gastrinoma produces high levels of gastrin, causing excess stomach acid.
Helicobacter pylori: H. pylori is a type of bacteria that can colonize the stomach and cause ulcers. Some people with H.pylori infection may also experience high stomach acid.
Gastric outlet obstruction: When the pathway from the stomach to the small intestine becomes blocked, it can cause excess stomach acid.
Chronic Renal Failure: In some rare cases, people with kidney failure or on dialysis may produce high levels of gastrin, causing an increase in stomach acid production.
It is also important to note that sometimes the exact cause of high stomach acid cannot be known. When the cause of the condition cannot be determined, it is referred to as idiopathic.
What are the symptoms of high stomach acid?
Some of the signs that you may have high stomach acid include:
Abdominal discomfort, which may be worse on an empty stomach.
Nausea or vomiting.
Flatulence
heartburn.
Diarrhea.
Lack of appetite.
Unexplained weight loss.
The symptoms of a high stomach acid are the same as those of other digestive diseases. It is always a good idea to make an appointment with a doctor if a person has persistent or recurring digestive symptoms. A doctor can help diagnose the cause of your symptoms and create a treatment plan.
What are the side effects of a high stomach acid?
Having elevated levels of stomach acid can increase your risk of other stomach-related health conditions. These include:
Peptic ulcers: Peptic ulcers are ulcers that can develop when stomach acid begins to devour the stomach lining.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): A digestive disorder characterized by the return of the stomach's content to the esophagus.
Gastrointestinal bleeding: This involves bleeding anywhere in the digestive system.
Are there risk factors for high stomach acid?
Some of the potential risk factors for developing elevated levels of stomach acid include:
Medicines: If a person is taking medication to reduce stomach acid production and then stops taking the treatment, they may develop an increase in stomach acid. However, this usually resolves on its own over time.
H. pylori infection: The presence of an active H. pylori bacterial infection in the stomach may cause an increase in stomach acid.
Genetics: Approximately 25 to 30 percent of people with gastrinomas, tumors that produce in the pancreas or duodenum, complain of an inherited condition called multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1).
What are the treatment options for high stomach acid?
High stomach acid is usually treated with protein pump inhibitors (PPIs). These medications reduce stomach acid production, and protein pump inhibitors have a higher efficacy profile than H2 blockers. It is often given orally, but may be given intravenously in more severe cases.
If your high stomach acidity is caused by an H.pylori infection, antibiotics will be prescribed along with a proton pump inhibitor. Antibiotics kill bacteria while protein pump inhibitors help reduce stomach acid production.
Doctors may sometimes recommend surgery, such as ablation of a gastrinoma, in people with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Additionally, people with severe ulcers may need surgery to remove part of the stomach (gastrectomy) or the vagus nerve (vagus neurotomy).
If heartburn is a symptom, dietary adjustments can be made to help reduce symptoms:
Eat small, frequent meals.
Follow a low-carb diet.
Limit your intake of alcohol, caffeine, and soft drinks.
Avoid foods that increase heartburn.
Prospects for elevated stomach acid:
Stomach acid helps break down and digest food. Sometimes, a higher than normal amount of stomach acid can be produced. This can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, bloating, and heartburn.There are several reasons for a high stomach acid. Examples include Helicobacter pylori infection, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and rebound effects from drug withdrawal.
If left untreated, high stomach acid can lead to complications such as ulcers or GERD. See a doctor if you develop any persistent, frequent, or worrisome digestive symptoms.
