What to do with high stomach acid

Should You Worry About Stomach Acidity?

The acidity of the stomach is the concentration of hydrochloric acid necessary for the digestion of food in the gastric juice. Normally, its indicator - pH - can varyStomach Acid Test / UKSF Health from 1.5 to 3.5.

Special parietal cells of the stomach regulate the release of hydrogen and chlorine ions. Therefore, it is simply said that they produce hydrochloric acid. If acidity rises, then these same cells throw out other ions to neutralize some of the acid. This is why pH is constantly changing.

If there are more cells or the processes of production and neutralization of acid are disturbed, the walls of the stomach can be damaged. But a healthy organ has other defense mechanisms. So most likely nothing will happen.

Problems can begin if the direction and speed of movement of food through the digestive tract changes or the stomach walls are no longer impermeable.

What symptoms should alert and why

Normally, food moves from the mouth to the rectum in one direction. To avoid “mistakes”, we need sphincters - special circular muscles. They, like a string on a bag, tighten the lumen of the digestive tube and prevent food from returning.

After a heavy meal or due to other reasons related to the individual characteristics of a person, acid with undigested food throwsHeartburn and acid reflux / NHS into the esophagus. This is called gastroesophageal, that is, gastroesophageal reflux. Arises heartburn - Burning feeling in the chest.

In addition to pain attacks due to heartburn, reflux can beHeartburn and acid reflux / NHS and other signs: bitter or sour taste in the mouth, bad breath, dry cough, especially at night, frequent hiccups, hoarse voice.

It's normal for everyone to experience this from time to time. But if such attacks too muchP. Kashuap. Acid reflux and GERD: The same thing? / Mayo Clinic, that is, they happen more than twice a week, this is a symptom of a more serious disease. For example, gastritisGastritis/NHS, diaphragmatic herniaHiatal hernia / Mayo Clinic, gastroparesisGastroparesis / Cleveland Clinic - partial paralysis of the stomach, but more often - gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

If the speed of food movement changes or the protection of the walls weakens, may appearPeptic ulcer / Mayo Cliniculcers stomach and duodenum. Then there will be pain associated with eating, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, constipation and other symptoms.

What to do if unpleasant symptoms appear

Ulcers of the stomach and duodenum leadPeptic ulcer / Mayo Clinic complications: gastrointestinal bleeding, wall perforation and cancer. Therefore, when alarming symptoms appear, you need to get to a gastroenterologist as soon as possible.

The same should be done if heartburn bothers you often. Constant irritation of the esophagus due to reflux leadsEsophagitis / Mayo Clinic to its inflammation - esophagitis, as well as narrowing, scarring, ruptures and malignant degeneration.

And sometimes under an attack of heartburn disguisedHeartburn or heart attack: When to worry / Mayo Clinic deadly disease - abdominal form heart attack myocardium.

Therefore, call an ambulance immediately if you have severe pain or pressure in your chest, especially in combination with pain in your arm or jaw, loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing.

If the acid ruinedD. A. Lazarchik, K.B. Frazier. Dental erosion and acid reflux disease: an overview / General dentistry tooth enamel and there are problems with your teeth, go to the dentist.

How to reduce stomach acid with medication

The gastroenterologist will recommend remedies that relieve the symptoms and act on the cause of the acidity. It is impossible to use such drugs by self-medication, because any drugs have side effects.

Antacids

The most effective emergency remedy for heartburn areHeartburn/Mayo Clinic Antacids are substances that reduce acidity. Previously, only baking soda was used, which spokeSodium bicarbonate / Register of medicines as a neutralizer, and now there are antacids with improved properties.

For example, some envelopAlgeldrate + magnesium hydroxide / Register of medicines walls and create a film on the surface of the contents. So they prevent acid from damaging the stomach and esophagus. It is much safer than soda and is used even in pregnant women.

Histamine H2 receptor blockers

They do not help immediately, but provide a longer effect because they block the cells that produce hydrochloric acid.

Proton pump blockers

They prevent cells from carrying hydrogen ions, which are needed to create an acidic environment in gastric juice. Proton pump blockers also do not help immediately, but gradually reduce the production of hydrochloric acid.

What to do with high stomach acid at home

If you urgently need to cope with an attack, and there are no drugs on hand, try these remedies.

Soda

In an emergency, you can use baking soda: dissolveBaking Soda for Heartburn / Canadian Society Intestinal Research half a teaspoon in at least 125 ml of water. This is alkali, and therefore it is really helpsSodium Bicarbonate (Oral Route, Intravenous Route, Subcutaneous Route) / Mayo Clinic quickly neutralize the acid. But because of its aggressive action, soda can cause pain and stomach cramps, so it cannot be used regularly.

Soda is prohibited when taking certain medications (antifungals, dementia drugs, and others), as well as if the following factors are present or suspected:

• appendicitis;
• intestinal or rectal bleeding;
• swelling of the legs;
• heart, kidney and liver diseases;
• high blood pressure;
• problems with urination;
• pregnancy.

Chewing gum

While chewing intensifiesR. Moazzez, D. Bartlett, A. Anggiansah. The effect of chewing sugar‑free gum on gastro‑esophageal reflux / Journal of dental research salivation. Once in the stomach, saliva binds acid, and food does not linger. That is, you can also cope with a sudden deterioration in well-being.

Avoid11 stomach-soothing steps for heartburn / Harvard Health Publishing only mint gum, because it provokes heartburn.

Honey

It will not affect the acidity and will not be as effective as soda, but it will not harm. There is evidence that he helpsM.V. Math. Oesophagus: Heartburn / The BMJ, because it envelops the walls of the esophagus and stomach and protects them from the harmful effects of acid.

Other means

The reputable American Johns Hopkins Hospital also advisesGERD Diet: Foods That Help with Acid Reflux (Heartburn) / John Hopkins Medicine reduce acidity with ginger tea or acidified water apple cider vinegar or lemon. But there are no references to these funds in other Dokmedov sources. So try them with caution.