Acidity is determined by the amount of hydrochloric acid in the gastrointestinal tract. A chronic increase in this indicator indicates the occurrence of various diseases, in particular, such as ulcers and gastritis. In addition, this may be a sign of a sluggish infection in the body.
Symptoms of high acidity give the patient many inconveniences. That is why, after the diagnosis, complex therapy is prescribed, including the use of medications, as well as alternative therapy methods. In addition, competently selected food is of no small importance.
What happens with high acidity
In gastric juice, a significant part is hydrochloric acid, which is produced by the gland of the mucosa located at the bottom of the stomach. An excessive amount of this substance, as well as a pathological excess of acidity is observed mainly in the case of a change in the number of cells of this gland, as well as in violation of the production of alkaline substances that make up the gastric juice.
Too aggressive acidic environment provokes the occurrence of pathological changes in mucosal cells and the formation of various gastroenterological diseases.
Who has the most problems?
The increased acidity of gastric juice is often observed in men, as well as adolescents and pregnant women. At risk are also elderly people and patients with impaired production of alkaline substances in the gastric juice.
In addition, a significant excess of the amount of hydrochloric acid can occur in the presence of concomitant diseases of the stomach and intestines.
The causes of the violation
The causes and treatment of increased acidity of the stomach can be very different, however, in general, disorders occur with improper nutrition and are adjusted by a special diet. The occurrence of this violation may be preceded by factors such as:
- ulcer;
- gastritis;
- esophageal hernia;
- reflux;
- burns of the gastric mucosa;
- pathology of the liver and pancreas;
- poisoning;
- allergy;
- disorders in the endocrine system;
- rheumatism and cardiovascular disease;
- malignant tumors.
In addition, there are certain risk factors for excessive release of hydrochloric acid, which include:
- malnutrition;
- abuse of alcohol, tea, coffee;
- smoking;
- frequent consumption of products that violate secretion;
- taking certain medications;
- stress
- avitaminosis;
- genetic predisposition.
Before you begin treatment for increased acidity of the stomach, you need to determine the main cause of this violation, since only in this case can adequate therapy be carried out.
Acidity Enhancing Products
Before conducting treatment for increased acidity of the stomach, you need to understand exactly which products contribute to the onset of this condition in order to exclude them from your usual diet. Mainly lead to increased production of hydrochloric acid products such as:
- spices, spices;
- citrus;
- fatty foods of animal origin;
- chocolate and coffee;
- fried foods;
- apples and tomato;
- alcoholic drinks.
It is also worth remembering the individual sensitivity of the body when consuming foods with a high acid content. For example, in some people, an intense painful attack can be triggered by the consumption of plums, peaches, grapes.
The main symptoms
A natural increase in acidity after eating in a healthy person goes unnoticed. A pathological condition is a significant excess of hydrochloric acid, regardless of food intake.
It is very important to recognize in a timely manner signs of increased acidity of the stomach. Treatment in this case will be simpler and more effective. Among the main symptoms of the disorder can be identified such as:
- burping during or after eating;
- heartburn;
- general deterioration of the emotional state;
- weight loss;
- digestive disorders;
- pain in the stomach and esophagus;
- honey taste in the mouth;
- plaque in the tongue.
Since there may be quite different symptoms of increased acidity of the stomach, treatment is selected only after a comprehensive diagnosis and the establishment of the main cause of the violation in the body.
Diagnostics
Symptoms and treatment of increased acidity of the stomach largely depend on the characteristics of the patient’s body, therefore it is important to pre-diagnose and only then select a method of therapy.
The doctor conducts the study using gastroscopy, and an ultrasound scan may also be indicated. Gastroscopy allows you to determine which disease provokes excessive production of hydrochloric acid by examining the stomach with a special tool.
In addition, you can check the acidity by conducting laboratory tests, including urine and blood tests. To determine the available acid-base balance, a special pH analysis will help. Antibodies for bacteria are also tested, which often lead to increased acidity.
After this, the gastroenterologist, based on the data obtained, will be able to choose the most appropriate treatment for increased acidity of the stomach.
Treatment features
Treatment of increased acidity of the stomach should be carried out immediately after diagnosis. It is mainly aimed at eliminating the underlying disease, as well as reducing the amount of hydrochloric acid in the body. For therapy are used:
- medications;
- homeopathic remedies;
- methods of alternative therapy.
It is worth remembering that it is forbidden to independently treat the increased acidity of the stomach with gastritis, ulcers, and other diseases, as this can only provoke a deterioration in well-being and lead to complications. All medicines and their dosage should be prescribed by the attending doctor, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient.
The use of medications
With increased acidity of the stomach, drug treatment helps not only to eliminate the symptoms, but also to get rid of concomitant diseases. Symptomatic therapy is carried out using special alginates, in particular, such as "Gastal", "Laminal", "Rennie", "Gaviscon". These funds act on the source of the disorder, and also help stop bouts of heartburn. Additionally, they can be prescribed to normalize the state of the stomach.
To quickly and effectively lower the level of acidity, such drugs as Controlok, Omeprazole, Omez are used. They help stop the excess production of hydrochloric acid. When pathological conditions occur, “Maalox”, “Almagel”, “Phospholugel” are prescribed, since they help to reduce the oxidation of the stomach. Due to the formation of a protective film, the inflamed mucosa is no longer irritated. These funds are used for hyperacid gastritis.
If the acidity of the stomach is increased, treatment is carried out with the help of histamine receptor blockers, in particular, such as Kvamatel, Ranitidin. Their effect is aimed at reducing excessive secretion of the stomach, as well as eliminating the causes of heartburn.
In very severe conditions, cholinolytic drugs are used, in particular, such as Gastrocepin. They create a protective film and reduce the production of gastric juice.
If the acidity of the stomach is increased, treatment involves the restoration of the stomach and intestines, eliminating the effects of exposure to hydrochloric acid. This can be done with the help of Lactobacterin and special vitamin complexes. They help normalize the microflora and populate the stomach with beneficial bacteria.
The preparations “Pancreatin” and “Hilak Forte” are not used for such violations. They can be indicated for use only as an adjuvant in the presence of diarrhea and digestive upset.
Homeopathic remedies
The fight against pain and burning in the stomach can be done using homeopathic remedies. Doctors recommend using them with high acidity. Among the most common tools can be identified such as:
- potassium bichromicum;
- calarea carbonics;
- argentum nitricum;
- hydratis;
- acidum sulfuricum;
- sodium phosphoricum.
Homeopathic medicines have almost no contraindications. They do not provoke the formation of allergies. They are used as adjunctive therapy.
The use of folk techniques
It is widely used for increased gastric acidity folk treatment, which implies the use of many recipes made on the basis of natural components that help lower the level of hydrochloric acid and eliminate the signs of the disease. In particular, for the treatment, natural potato juice is used, which can be squeezed from fresh tubers and taken before each meal. The dosage should be started with 1 tsp. and gradually increase it to 100 ml.
With the occurrence of increased acidity of the stomach, symptoms and treatment with folk remedies can be very different, it all depends on the characteristics of the course of the disease. The eggshell will help to cope with painful sensations and eliminate an excess of hydrochloric acid. To do this, thoroughly grind it and take 2 tsp. this remedy throughout the day.
For the treatment of gastritis, ulcers and gastroduodenitis during an exacerbation, a honey solution is taken. To do this, dilute in 0.5 l of warm water 100 g of natural honey. Take the fluid 3 times a day 2 hours before eating.
It is imperative to know, if there is a pathology, what symptoms and treatment with folk remedies of increased acidity of the stomach can be, as well as how to take medicinal tinctures and decoctions in order to quickly normalize your health. An infusion of fresh or dried birch buds has a very good effect on the affected mucosa. To prepare it, you need to fill in 50 g of birch buds with 0.5 l of alcohol and leave for 10 days. You need to take 1 tsp. 2 times a day 25 minutes before meals.
Also among the effective means, one can distinguish a decoction of aloe and cranberries. In order for the treatment of increased acidity of the stomach with folk remedies to be effective, you must strictly follow all the doctor's recommendations, and also do not exceed the dosage of the medicine.
Dieting
If the acidity of the stomach is increased, diet and treatment will help to eliminate the existing symptoms and normalize well-being. Be sure to adhere to proper nutrition. During the period of exacerbation, it is allowed to consume vegetables with a low fiber content. When consuming fruits, it is advisable to give preference to those whose acidity is not too high. With the occurrence of acute conditions, they can be eaten only in boiled or baked form. For faster absorption, you can cook light mousses or simply grind in mashed potatoes.
Meat, fish should be low-fat, steamed or in the oven. It is worth noting that fats directly affect the increase in acidity, since such foods stay much longer in the stomach. You can eat cereals cooked in milk. Dairy products have a very positive effect on the digestive system, but they should not be too fat.
Of drinks, it is best to drink clean room temperature water, weak tea, as well as fruit compotes. Throughout the day, food should be consumed in small portions, but do it often, at approximately the same intervals.
Features of the course of the violation during pregnancy
During pregnancy, a significant change in the hormonal background is observed, which is why increased production of hydrochloric acid can be observed. The gradually increasing uterus, which displaces adjacent organs, largely affects the acid-base balance.
A pregnant woman has nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, as well as some difficulty in swallowing food. Basically, special diagnostics are not carried out, since the doctor determines the level of available hydrochloric acid, based only on the complaints of the woman. Laboratory testing may sometimes be prescribed. Basically, during pregnancy, treatment of increased acidity of the stomach with folk remedies is carried out, since taking medications is prohibited. However, when using non-traditional methods, care must be taken not to provoke a deterioration in well-being. To alleviate the condition, you must follow recommendations such as:
- when consuming food do not drink liquid;
- wear comfortable clothes;
- Do not eat in large portions;
- eat no later than 2 hours before bedtime;
- control weight.
Treatment of high acidity should be comprehensive, so it is important to lead a healthy lifestyle and consume only natural products. If the first symptoms of a violation occur, you should immediately consult a doctor, since there is a danger of an inflammatory process on the gastric mucosa.
Increased acidity in children
This condition can be caused by a variety of factors, however, it is mainly observed in the case of stress and malnutrition. It manifests itself in the form of diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, belching, fever and abdominal pain.
It is important to prevent exacerbations and promptly seek qualified help from a doctor who will choose the best methodology for conducting therapy. With increased acidity of the stomach, alternative treatment can give very good results, however, before it is carried out, it is necessary to determine the causes that provoke acidosis. To do this, it is necessary to perform an examination, including ultrasound, gastroscopy and other techniques.
What complications may arise
If daily irritation of the gastric mucosa occurs with an excess of hydrochloric acid, which simply does not have time to neutralize with the available alkaline substances, then this leads to inflammation, as well as erosion and ulcers. Among the main consequences of such a violation can be identified such as:
- pain in the joints;
- allergies
- weight gain;
- disorders of the stool and metabolic processes;
- impaired immunity;
- frequent headaches;
- sleep disturbances;
- nervousness and irritability.
In addition, there may be a significant exacerbation of existing diseases, as well as the occurrence of severe weakness and loss of appetite. The main danger of this condition is that acidity leads to the formation of ulcers and erosion, which eventually turn into malignant tumors.
Preventive measures
To avoid an increase in the level of hydrochloric acid in the gastric juice, it is necessary to follow simple preventive measures, which include:
- proper nutrition;
- fiber enrichment;
- you should avoid the consumption of convenience foods and fast foods;
- minimize alcohol consumption;
- exclude fatty and fried from the diet;
- avoid stress.
These simple preventative measures can help prevent dangerous diseases. However, when the first signs of disturbances occur in the body, you should immediately seek help from a qualified doctor, and not self-medicate, as this can only do even more harm and lead to a significant deterioration in well-being.
It is worth remembering that you can quickly and easily eliminate the increased acidity in the body, most importantly, adhere to the principles of complex treatment.