Hyperacidity

Hyperacidity is a term used to describe excessive production or concentration of gastric acid in the stomach. The stomach normally maintains a highly acidic environment (pH around 1–3) to aid digestion, but when acid levels are higher than normal or the mucosa becomes overly sensitive to acid, symptoms related to acid exposure can occur.

Causes include increased acid production, impaired mucosal defenses, or both. Common factors are gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); infection with Helicobacter pylori; and the use of irritant or acid-suppressing medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Rare conditions like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome involve excessive acid secretion due to gastrin-producing tumors.

Symptoms commonly include burning or gnawing upper abdominal or chest pain, heartburn, regurgitation or sour taste, belching, bloating, and nausea. Symptoms may worsen after meals or when lying down.

Diagnosis is based on clinical evaluation and, if needed, objective testing. Endoscopy can assess mucosal damage; tests for H. pylori (urea breath or stool antigen) are used; and measurements such as gastric pH or basal acid output, or prolonged esophageal pH monitoring, may be employed to assess acid exposure.

Treatment targets the underlying cause and may include lifestyle changes (weight management, avoiding trigger foods such as fatty meals, caffeine, and alcohol; not lying down soon after eating). Medications include antacids for quick relief, and acid-suppressing drugs such as H2 receptor antagonists or proton pump inhibitors. Eradication of H. pylori is advised if infection is present. In Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, management focuses on controlling acid secretion and the tumor; surgery may be considered in selected cases.

Most cases respond to treatment and lifestyle adjustment, but recurrent symptoms should prompt medical evaluation to identify underlying disorders and prevent complications such as ulcers or bleeding.