High stomach acid symptoms can be a sign of certain digestive diseases that you are experiencing. Therefore, you need to know the symptoms of increased stomach acid.
Stomach acid is a colourless, watery, and acidic liquid produced by the stomach organs.
This fluid serves to help digest protein, prevent infection and food poisoning, and ensure the absorption of vitamin B12 into the body.
However, increased stomach acid levels can cause the stomach’s pH (acidity level) to be too high. As a result, the body experiences disturbances in the digestive system, including the oesophagus and mouth.
Signs of hyperacidity
Here are some high stomach acid symptoms to watch out for to prevent complications.
1. Difficult to swallow
One of the high stomach acid symptoms you need to pay attention to is difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).
You see, stomach acid regularly rising into the oesophagus can cause irritation and sores.
Scars in the oesophagus can make this digestive tract narrow, so you have difficulty swallowing.
2. Heartburn
In addition to difficulty swallowing, another high stomach acid symptom is heartburn. It usually begins with a burning sensation in the upper abdomen.
Then, a burning sensation from the stomach will rise to the chest. Chest pain is usually most pronounced when you lie down, bend over, or after eating.
If left unchecked, you may be at risk for GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease).
3. Inflammation of the oesophagus
Not only a symptom of a bacterial or viral infection, but inflammation of the oesophagus can also be a high stomach acid symptom.
If you have GERD, acid from the stomach can rise and press the back into the oesophagus.
If left unchecked, the acidic liquid can damage the oesophagus, leading to esophagitis.
4. Hot in the throat
Rising stomach acid can cause damage to the lining of the oesophagus.
This damage can cause pain and a burning sensation under the throat and chest, the location of the oesophagus.
Over time, stomach acid backs up into the lining of the oesophagus, causing inflammation.
This condition puts the oesophagus at risk of injuries, such as ulcers or scar tissue (keloids).
5. Bad breath
The leading cause of acid reflux in most people is the lower oesophagal sphincter (LES), a condition in which the oesophagus muscles are damaged or loosened.
When the oesophagal muscles are working correctly, they open during swallowing to let into the stomach, then close tightly.
However, the damaged oesophagal muscle will remain open and allow acid to flow back into the throat, causing bad breath.
6. Burp
Burping is the body’s way of expelling excess air from the upper digestive tract. According to the Mayo Clinic, normal burping occurs when you swallow excess air.
However, spewing that occurs continuously, more than one to two times in a short period, can be high stomach acid symptoms.
This condition is related to rising stomach acid, which narrows the oesophagus, making it difficult to swallow.
Excess air cannot be expelled smoothly from the body when you have difficulty swallowing.
7. Mouth tastes sour
Bad breath accompanied by a sour taste in the mouth is usually one of the characteristics of acid reflux.
If the muscle opening between the oesophagus and stomach does not close entirely after eating, food and stomach acid can back up into the oesophagus. It can cause a sour taste in the mouth.
Fortunately, you can overcome this by changing your diet to a healthier one.
Other signs of acid reflux
In addition to the digestive problems mentioned, several other conditions can be high stomach acid symptoms, such as:
- bloated,
- asthma,
- nauseous,
- heartburn,
- hoarseness
It is also worth noting that patients with cystic fibrosis are more at risk of developing acid reflux than people in general.
Usually, you can relieve high stomach acid symptoms with home remedies.
However, if the above conditions are alarming, please consult a doctor to understand the right solution.
