High Stomach Acid Causes
Cells in your stomach lining produce stomach acid or gastric acid that is needed for the digestion of food and for the absorption of nutrients from your diet. Stomach acid has a crucial role to play in the upkeep of your digestive system as well as in absorbing the nutrients required for various bodily functions.
Often there are conditions that contribute to excess production of stomach acid. These conditions instigate the overproduction of gastrin, the hormone that instructs your stomach to produce higher levels of stomach acid. High stomach acid can cause unpleasant symptoms and has to be treated immediately. Some of the high stomach acid causes are given below:
1. Ellison Syndrome
This is a rare condition wherein a gastrinoma, a tumour, forms in your duodenum and pancreas. These tumours increase the production of gastrin, which is one of the high stomach acid causes.
2. Helicobacter Pylori
This is a bacteria that is the primary cause of stomach ulcers and gastritis. This bacteria damages your stomach tissues as well as the duodenum. Being infected by this bacteria can result in the secretion of more stomach acid.
3. Medication
Certain medications like H2 blockers can reduce stomach acid production. However, people who are on this medication are prone to high stomach acid production (rebound effect) when they abruptly stop taking the H2 blockers after using them for a long time.
4. Stress
Stress is often considered one of the high stomach acid causes. Prostaglandins, the hormone-like substance, protects the stomach lining from acid. Chronic stress can affect the hormonal balance which can increases the risk of developing ulcers.
5. Dialysis
People with chronic kidney failure have to undergo frequent dialysis for proper kidney functioning. Dialysis increases the production of gastrin, which in turn leads to higher stomach acid production.
High Stomach Acid Symptoms
High stomach acid causes unpleasant symptoms as well as discomfort. Some of the high stomach acid symptoms are:
Heartburn
Nausea or vomiting
Bloating
Diarrhoea
Weight loss
Lack of appetite
Abdominal pain
These symptoms are similar to those associated with digestive issues. If these symptoms persist or occur frequently, seeking medical attention is suggested to avoid further health complications.
High stomach acid can lead to digestive issues and so does low stomach acid. Low stomach acid will lead to indigestion and the nutrients from the diet will not be absorbed. This will lead to various deficiencies, malnutrition, and, in rare cases, bacterial imbalance.
High Stomach Acid Treatment Options
When stomach acid production goes out of proportion, it can lead to various other health issues. Several stomach acid treatment options are available to reduce the production of stomach acid to maintain it within healthy levels.
The most common treatment method is the use of proton pump inhibitors. This medication helps to lower the stomach acid levels. PPIs are normally administered orally, but in severe cases, they can be given by IV.
If your high stomach acid condition is due to H pylori infection, you may be prescribed antibiotics along with PPIs. Antibiotics help in dealing with bacterial infection, while PPIs lower stomach acid production.
For Zollinger Ellison Syndrome, surgery may be suggested to remove gastrinomos. People with severe ulcers might have to undergo gastrectomy to remove part of their stomach or vagotomy to remove the vagus nerve.
The following treatment options are suggested for people with heartburn as a symptom of stomach acid.
Dietary changes
Eating small portions at short intervals
A low-carb diet
Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, or carbonated beverages
Avoiding foods that trigger heartburn.
Conclusion
Stomach acid has a pivotal role in aiding digestion and the absorption of nutrients from your diet. When stomach acid production exceeds normal levels, it may cause discomfort and painful symptoms like heartburn, weakness, nausea, abdominal pain, and bloating. There are several causes for high stomach acid production. If left untreated, it could lead to serious conditions like ulcers, GERD, etc. If the high stomach acid symptoms persist and cause unmanageable discomfort, you should seek immediate medical attention to avoid further complications.
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