What causes stomach acid and bloating?

Generally, gastric acid and bloating may be caused by eating habits, stress and emotional fluctuations, gastroesophageal reflux, gastroenteritis, gastric ulcers, and other factors. Symptomatic treatment through general therapy and medication is needed. If experiencing physical discomfort, one should seek medical attention promptly. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Eating Habits

Spicy, greasy, acidic foods, or alcohol can activate receptors in the stomach, promoting increased gastric acid secretion, which may lead to excessive stomach acid, possibly accompanied by symptoms such as heartburn, acid regurgitation, and stomach discomfort. It is recommended to adjust eating habits, reduce the intake of spicy, greasy, acidic foods and alcohol, and avoid overeating.

2. Stress and Emotional Fluctuations

Long-term mental tension, anxiety, or depression can disrupt the balance of the autonomic nervous system, particularly between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, thereby affecting the stomach's digestive function, promoting gastric acid secretion, causing bloating, and possibly accompanied by headaches, insomnia, anxiety, and depression. It is recommended to practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, and meditation to help relieve stress and emotional fluctuations.

3. Gastroesophageal Reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux is caused by dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter, leading to the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus, irritating the esophageal mucosa, causing inflammation and increased gastric acid and bloating, possibly accompanied by chest pain, belching, and sore throat. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as lansoprazole enteric-coated tablets, famotidine tablets, and cisapride tablets to reduce gastric acid secretion and alleviate symptoms. At the same time, lifestyle changes are recommended, such as elevating the head of the bed and avoiding lying down immediately after meals.

4. Gastroenteritis

Infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites may lead to gastroenteritis. The inflammation can irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, impair gastrointestinal function, affect food digestion and emptying, stimulate gastric acid secretion, and may be accompanied by systemic symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as potassium bismuth citrate tablets, enteritis relief granules, and amoxicillin capsules to alleviate symptoms.

5. Gastric Ulcer

An ulcer lesion formed after damage to the gastric mucosa is usually caused by Helicobacter pylori infection, long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and other factors. When the ulcer lesion is stimulated by gastric acid, it can cause severe pain, bloating, and gastric acid symptoms, possibly accompanied by postprandial fullness and upper abdominal pain. The pain has rhythmicity and periodicity. It is recommended that patients follow medical guidance to use antacids, gastric mucosal protectants, and antibiotics for treatment, such as lansoprazole enteric-coated tablets, colloidal pectin bismuth capsules, and amoxicillin capsules.

In daily life, it is recommended to adjust eating habits, eat more easily digestible foods rich in fiber, chew food slowly, and avoid overeating.

References

[1] Zhang Chunlei. Differentiation and Treatment of Acute Gastroenteritis[J]. Family Medicine. Healthcare and Medication Selection, 2024, (02): 50-51.

[2] Wang Xiaoling. Observation of the Efficacy of Cisapride Combined with Omeprazole in the Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease[J]. Journal of Clinical Rational Drug Use, 2013, 6(34): 22-23.