Once in a while, nearly everyone will experience symptoms of excess stomach acid, also referred to as acid indigestion or hyperacidity. Treatment for frequent symptoms of excess stomach acid is important, however, since chronic gastritis---inflammation of the stomach lining---sets the stage for ulcers, and reflux of stomach acid can lead to esophageal erosions,. Treatment usually takes the form of medications called H2 blockers or the more powerful Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI).
Burning/Gnawing
One of the most common symptoms of excess stomach acid is a burning or gnawing feeling in the gut. For some people, burning worsens after eating; for others, eating may temporarily alleviate the burning sensation. If you are also experiencing reflux of the stomach acid, you may experience heartburn in which burning and pain spread up the chest and behind the breastbone. A sour taste often accompanies this sensation. :Be sure to have all chest pain evaluated by a physician to rule out heart conditions.
Belching
People who are experiencing excess stomach acid typically belch frequently and forcefully. Belching may be most common in the hour after eating, but can continue throughout the day and night, depending on the degree of stomach acid issues. The belching occurs due to the release of gases from food that is remaining undigested in the stomach.
Pain/Tenderness
Pain and/or tenderness may appear in the middle of the abdomen, potentially stretching up behind the breastbone. Mid-abdomen pain particularly occurs after many days of frequent issues with excess stomach acid, which can be related to gastritis. When examining a potential case of gastritis, physicians typically press on the abdomen just below the rib cage to check for tenderness. The pain may be sharp in acute cases of excess stomach acid, such as those brought on by drinking or eating greasy foods, or may be dull in cases of chronic gastritis.
Excess Fullness
Most people who experience too much stomach acid feel overly full following meals. This occurs because the amount of time it takes for the stomach to empty may be considerably prolonged compared to normal. In addition, the gases that give rise to belching (discussed above) distend the stomach and can cause discomfort.
Nausea
Excess stomach acid can cause feelings of nausea. Timing of the nausea shows individual variability; for many people it occurs just after meals while others experience nausea only when their stomachs are empty. A person with severe, recurrent excess stomach acid may find their appetite greatly diminished, and may even lose weight as a result.
Vomiting
If excess stomach acid occurs severely, it may cause vomiting, particularly in cases of gastritis and/or ulcers. If the vomit contains blood, consult a doctor immediately.
