When your stomach produces too much acid, it can lead to various symptoms. These may include bloating, stomach pain, and losing weight without trying.
Stomach acid is what helps your body digest food and fight off harmful bacteria. Your stomach lining is responsible for making this acid.
Source: Many cases of heartburn or “acid reflux” of high stomach acid.
Certain conditions or infections can make your stomach produce more acid than usual, which can then cause other health problems to develop.
This article looks into the signs, reasons, and potential issues linked to high stomach acid levels. It also talks about the treatments that could help with this condition.
Signs of High Stomach Acid Levels
People with conditions causing high stomach acid levels or their complications might experience:
- Abdominal pain, potentially leading to diarrhea and heartburn
- Unintended weight loss
- Persistent diarrhea
- Feeling bloated or overly full
- Vomiting
- Nausea
Additionally, individuals might exhibit symptoms of bleeding stomach ulcers, including:
- Black or tarry stool, or blood in the stool
- Vomiting blood or vomit resembling coffee grounds
- Fainting or feeling lightheaded
If any of the symptoms of bleeding stomach ulcers are present, immediate medical attention is crucial. This can be done by calling 911 or heading to the nearest emergency room.
Slowly bleeding stomach ulcers may result in anemia, leading to symptoms such as:
- Shortness of breath during physical activity
- Fatigue
- Paler-than-usual skin
Causes of High Stomach Acid Levels
Several conditions can lead to high stomach acid levels, including:
1. Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES)
- Zes condition involves the presence of tumors in the pancreas or duodenum (the initial part of the small intestine). These tumors prompt the body to produce excess gastrin, a hormone that stimulates stomach acid production. ZES symptoms resemble those of severe peptic ulcer disease (PUD), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and chronic diarrhea. ZES affects fewer than 3 in 1 million individuals annually.
2. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections
Source: H. pylori (Heliobacter pylori) is a type of bacteria that infects your stomach.
- H. pylori is a bacteria strain that can infect the stomach. People with H. pylori infections typically remain asymptomatic until complications arise, such as PUD (peptic ulcer disease) and gastritis. Although H. pylori initially reduces stomach acid levels temporarily, individuals with concurrent duodenal ulcers may experience elevated stomach acid levels.
3. Rebound acid hypersecretion
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are medications designed to suppress stomach acid production. However, if individuals use PPIs for a few weeks and then discontinue their usage, they may develop high stomach acid levels. This phenomenon, known as rebound symptoms, is still under investigation by scientists.
Risk factors for these conditions include:
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES): While anyone can develop ZES, it's frequently diagnosed in individuals aged 20 to 50 years. It's slightly more prevalent in males than females. Moreover, approximately 20–25% of individuals with ZES have a rare genetic disorder called multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1, which can lead to tumors in the endocrine glands and disrupt hormone production.
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections: H. pylori primarily spread through oral contact with bodily fluids from person to person. It's more prevalent in children, although complications such as peptic ulcer disease (PUD) are less common in this age group.
Doctors may prescribe Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) for individuals with:
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES)
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections
- Esophagitis
- Nonerosive reflux disease (a type of GERD)
- Peptic ulcer disease (PUD)
Complications of High Stomach Acid Levels
High stomach acid levels can lead to various stomach-related health conditions. Conditions like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES) or Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections can result in the development of peptic ulcer disease (PUD).
1. Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)
- PUD involves the formation of open sores or ulcers in the stomach or duodenum (gastric or duodenal ulcers) due to exposure to stomach acid. Many individuals with PUD may not experience any symptoms, while others may have severe symptoms requiring urgent medical attention.
Source: A peptic ulcer is an open sore or raw area in the lining of the stomach or intestine.
- Long-term or high-dose use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) increases the risk of developing PUD. Treatment typically involves the use of Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs).
2. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- GERD differs from gastroesophageal reflux (GER), which occurs when stomach acid occasionally flows back into the esophagus. While many individuals experience GER occasionally without symptoms, GERD is a more persistent and severe form.
Symptoms of GERD may include:
- A taste of food or stomach acid in the mouth
- Heartburn
- Pain or difficulty swallowing
- Nausea
- Chest pain
- Chronic coughing or hoarseness
If left untreated, GERD can lead to serious complications over time.
Note: Individuals experiencing symptoms of GERD should consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and management to prevent potential complications.
Treatment for High Stomach Acid Levels
Medical professionals may address a person's high stomach acid levels using various approaches:
- Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): These medications help reduce stomach acid production.
- Antibiotics: If an individual has an H. pylori infection, antibiotics may be prescribed to eradicate the bacteria.
- Surgery: In cases where gastrin-producing tumors persist despite PPI treatment, surgical intervention may be necessary.
- Dietary or Lifestyle Changes: Making adjustments to diet and lifestyle, such as avoiding trigger foods or managing stress, can help alleviate symptoms.
However, treatment plans may differ based on the underlying cause of high stomach acid levels and the individual's overall health.
In Summary
high stomach acid levels can stem from various conditions, manifesting symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain, and bloating.
Conditions such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES), H. pylori infection, and rebound acid hypersecretion from PPI use can contribute to elevated stomach acid levels.
It's essential for individuals experiencing symptoms of high stomach acid levels to consult a doctor for proper evaluation and tailored treatment recommendations.
