A Stomach acidity or hyperacidity is caused by many different diseases and other factors. It can lead to different, but also very typical complaints.
What is stomach acidity?
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At a Stomach acidity, also hyperacidity called, there is a significantly increased production of gastric acid through the gastric mucosa.
In the strict sense of the word, it is not a disease, but merely a symptom with which the stomach reacts to various diseases and states of stress. The so-called parietal cells of the gastric mucosa produce hydrochloric acid to enable digestive processes and kill pathogens. The amount of gastric acid required is determined by certain stimuli and then produced by the gastric mucosa.
If the stomach is too acidic, however, there is an excessive production of hydrochloric acid due to an excessive reaction of the stomach. If gastric acidification persists, not only do the unpleasant symptoms occur, but damage to the stomach, small intestine or esophagus is also possible.
causes
A Stomach acidity can have the most varied of causes, as the production of hydrochloric acid is regulated by various processes. Excessive consumption of coffee, nicotine, fatty foods or alcohol, for example, stimulate the stomach's acid production. But personal problems, major annoyances or stress also irritate the stomach and lead to stomach acidification.
However, certain drugs, especially those containing acetylsalicylic acid, have the same effect. So-called proton pump inhibitors should therefore be taken for long-term use. These drugs specifically reduce the production of stomach acid.
If the Helicobacter pylori bacteria have lodged in the gastric mucous membrane, this also leads to an increased production of gastric acid, as the stomach tries to fight the bacteria in this way. Certain diseases, such as inflammation of the stomach lining and an ulcer in the lining of the stomach or the duodenum, can also lead to over-acidification of the stomach.
Symptoms, ailments & signs
The signs of hyperacidity in the stomach can vary in intensity. In many cases, the symptoms subside as a reaction to fatty food or excessive alcohol consumption. Symptoms of over-acidification of the stomach can be a minor nuisance, but they can also be painful. Typical signs of stomach acidity are acidic belching, heartburn and bad breath.
In many cases there is also a feeling of fullness. The various symptoms also include a sharp pain in the epigastric region and a burning pain in the area of the esophagus and stomach entrance. You may also experience abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Likewise, harmless consequences such as flatulence can occur as a side effect of gastric acidification.
In individual cases, loss of appetite can also occur. If the stomach acid rises dramatically in the esophagus, this can lead to a cough or hoarseness in the person concerned. Damage to the teeth can also develop over a longer period of time. Unpleasant bad breath occurs more frequently. An inflammation of the gastric mucosa can develop as a result of prolonged, intense gastric hyperacidity.
Therefore it can also present itself as a symptom of an over-acidic stomach. Inferences about an acidic stomach can even provide gastric ulcers or asthma. A sore throat may also be a sign of excess stomach acid. Changed eating habits, especially a stronger craving for milk, can also be signs of an acidic stomach.
Diagnosis & course
Diagnosing a Stomach acidity is generally based on medical history and a thorough physical examination. The main symptoms are: heartburn, bloating, acid belching, nausea or vomiting. However, if the condition is already chronic, it can develop with almost no symptoms.
A gastroscopy can be performed to further clarify the diagnosis, especially in the case of long-term illnesses. A special endoscope is inserted through the mouth into the esophagus, stomach and duodenum and enables a view into these areas.
A biopsy, a sample of the gastric mucosa, can also be performed. The transition to the duodenum can also be examined as part of the gastroscopy and a duodenal ulcer can be excluded.
Over-acidification of the stomach, which is only temporary, does not cause any serious damage. However, if it is chronic, the gastric mucosa can be damaged. But the duodenum and esophagus can also be damaged. Possible consequences of over-acidification of the stomach can therefore be: an inflammation of the gastric mucous membrane, a stomach or duodenal ulcer, reflux disease and a tumor disease of the esophagus.
Complications
As a rule, the further course of this disease depends heavily on its cause. In most cases, those affected suffer from an over-acidic stomach from a bloated stomach and a feeling of fullness. As a rule, heartburn also occurs, which can significantly reduce and restrict the patient's quality of life.
In addition, over-acidification of the stomach is associated with relatively severe stomach pain. It is not uncommon for those affected to vomit and suffer from severe nausea. It can also lead to loss of appetite, causing patients to lose weight or become deficient in nutrients. Complications usually arise with over-acidification of the stomach if it persists over a longer period of time and does not go away on its own.
This can also lead to the formation of ulcers or cancer. For this reason, you should definitely consult a doctor. The treatment of gastric acidosis can in most cases be carried out through a strict diet and with the help of medication. There are no particular complications. However, the life expectancy of the person affected can be limited if a tumor or an ulcer has formed.
When should you go to the doctor?
Heartburn, bad breath or belching are often perceived as unpleasant by those affected. The symptoms should be discussed with a doctor as soon as they persist for a long time or are perceived as a disturbance in everyday life. A feeling of fullness despite a healthy and balanced diet is uncommon. If you experience loss of appetite or body weight, it is advisable to consult a doctor. If you experience abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, a doctor is needed.
You should refrain from taking pain relievers without consulting a doctor. There is a risk of further discomfort and complications. If the person concerned suffers from an unpleasant taste in the mouth, if flatulence occurs or if a general malaise develops, a doctor should be consulted. Changed eating habits or the rejection of foods that were previously eaten with pleasure 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 acidosis often report an increased need for milk. If anything like this is noticed, clarification of the observation is advisable. If you have a cough, hoarseness or sore throat, there is a health impairment that should be examined by a doctor.
Treatment & Therapy
To a Stomach acidity to treat, trigger factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, stress, fatty and spicy foods should be avoided.
The drug consumption should also be reduced to a minimum. If this is not possible, proton pump inhibitors can be taken. These block excessive stomach acid production.
Furthermore, it is possible to minimize the production of gastric acid with drugs based on the active ingredient ranitidine or to neutralize the gastric acid already formed with the active ingredient antacids.
If the acidification of the stomach can be traced back to an attack by Helicobacter pylori bacteria, these bacteria must first be fought. In such a case, an antibiotic is administered in addition to the proton pump inhibitors in order to eliminate the acidity of the stomach.
Outlook & forecast
The prognosis for gastric acidosis remains constant if the person concerned does not change their lifestyle. 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 menu 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 avoid the above-mentioned products in the healing process. In addition, it should be checked which drugs are being taken. In some cases the active ingredients of the preparations can lead to over-acidification of the stomach. Spontaneous healing can be expected here if alternative medicines are used.
If the patient sticks to his way of life and thus to his diet unchanged, at best the existing complaints will remain. An unfavorable course leads to complications and secondary diseases. Stomach ulcers may develop or a chronic condition such as asthma may develop. In addition, the risk of developing a tumor increases. In these cases, the prognosis is considerably worsened and, if left untreated, can lead to a life-threatening course in individual cases. If there is a loss of appetite, the affected person threatens an eating disorder. If left untreated, this can also become a life threat.
prevention
To one Stomach acidity Attempts should be made to prevent states of stress and the triggering factors such as medication, alcohol, nicotine, coffee consumption, fatty and spicy food. But eating very quickly under time pressure can also irritate the stomach and should therefore be avoided.
In principle, it may be necessary to rethink and change your entire eating behavior. However, if you approach food with time, enthusiasm and an interest in healthy eating, there is no risk of stomach acidification. People with a tendency to over-acidic stomach can keep their stomach in balance by using healing clay.
Aftercare
The need for follow-up care for gastric acidosis is closely related to whether this symptom was caused by a one-off event of food consumption or an illness. Sometimes it is a short-term phenomenon that usually resolves spontaneously and therefore does not require any further follow-up care.
If, however, the gastric acidification was of disease value, the patient's general practitioner (or pediatrician) or internist can be asked for advice as part of the follow-up care after the illness has ended. In many cases, follow-up care can also be left to the person concerned. If it is a recurring event that is caused by an intolerance or allergy, it is important to consistently avoid these foods.
Dietitians or nutritionists can also provide help here when it comes to choosing food. Some foods can also be taken together with certain tablets in order to be tolerated. In this context, aftercare also includes ensuring a healthy diet, despite intolerance and the need to avoid certain foods, by ensuring the balance through alternative foods. Close coordination with the treating doctor can also ensure that serious illnesses are diagnosed in good time and treatment is initiated.Those affected should therefore not wait long for a visit to the doctor if the symptoms persist.
You can do that yourself
Anyone who regularly suffers from stomach acidity should consult a doctor and clarify the causes. Occasional disorders of this type can also be treated with home remedies. Acid regurgitation is very common after consuming too much coffee or alcohol. Very fatty, very spicy or very acidic foods can also lead to this effect. Those affected should observe themselves in order to identify their specific risk factors, which can be very different from individual to individual.
The best way to prevent stomach acidity is to avoid these risk factors. Those who like to eat animal foods and regularly react to it with stomach acidity should try herbal alternatives, which usually contain around 30 percent less fat and are therefore more tolerable. Black coffee, especially on an empty stomach, can also lead to acidification and irritation of the gastric mucosa. If you are sensitive, you should have a bite to eat in the morning and drink your coffee with (plant) milk. In addition, a healthy, low-fat, high-fiber diet should generally be observed.
Acute acidification of the stomach can be combated with antacids, which are available over the counter in pharmacies and drugstores. Those who prefer natural remedies can take Bullrich salt or healing earth.
People whose stomach acidification is regularly a result of stress should learn relaxation techniques.
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