Hydrochloric acid found in the stomach, sometimes called gastric acid, helps digest food and also destroys many of the bacteria that enter the stomach. When food enters the stomach, acid production normally increases. Gastrin, a hormone produced by cells that line stomach, controls gastric acid production. Excess gastrin secretion increases stomach acid; in some cases, excess acid can cause gastrointestinal problems.
Causes
Tumors in the small intestine and pancreas can cause increased gastrin secretion, which leads to increased stomach acid production. Psychological stress can also increase stomach acid output. Because eating stimulates acid production, overeating also causes excess acid production. Certain foods can trigger excess acid production in some people. Common offenders include milk; caffeine-containing foods, including chocolate; coffee, including decaffeinated coffee; carbonated sodas; and citrus fruits.
Results
In some cases, excess stomach acid production can lead to the development of ulcers in the stomach and small intestine. If overeating leads to excess acid production, gastroesophageal reflux may occur, as the excess acid flows out of the overfilled stomach and into the esophagus or the back of the throat or mouth.
Symptoms
Symptoms of excess stomach acid include a burning pain in the stomach, and burning pain in the throat or esophagus if reflux occurs. Other symptoms include a feeling of fullness or nausea. If ulcers develop, you may vomit blood or pass dark, tarry stools. People with a specific type of stomach ulcer disorder called Zollinger-Ellison syndrome may also have severe diarrhea. Acid reflux can also cause a cough and hoarseness.
Diagnosis
A number of tests can be done to determine the cause of excess stomach acid production. An endoscopy looks into the esophagus and stomach with a long, lighted tube. Gastrin levels in the blood can determine whether excess gastrin production is contributing to the problem. Barium swallow is a series of X-rays after a person drinks barium, a chalky substance that allows parts of the gastrointestinal tract to be seen more clearly. Barium swallow is done to diagnose ulcers.
Treatment
Treatment for excess stomach acid production depends on the cause. Avoiding trigger foods and losing weight, which reduces pressure on the stomach, help in some cases. There's no evidence that a generally bland diet facilitates healing or prevents a recurrence of stomach ulcers. Medications such as antacids, which neutralize acid, or proton-pump inhibitors, which reduce stomach acid production, can also help. If a single tumor in the stomach causes excess acid production, removing it surgically may reduce the acid production.
Member Comments