Gastrin causes the stomach to produce too much acid, which leads to peptic ulcers. High gastrin levels also can cause diarrhea, belly pain and other symptoms.
Medication. Medications such as H2 blockers such as Pepcid (famotidine) and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) decrease acid production in the stomach. If you take one of these regularly, it is possible that you may experience a rebound in stomach acid production if you stop abruptly.
This extra gastric acid can cause peptic ulcers in your stomach and intestine. Symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and diarrhea. If left untreated, there can be serious complications. Treatment may include medicines and sometimes surgery.
Treatment for heartburn and acid reflux from a GP
If you have acid reflux, a GP may prescribe a medicine called a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that reduces how much acid your stomach makes. PPIs include: omeprazole. lansoprazole.
Whole grains — High fiber, whole-grains like brown rice, oatmeal, and whole grain breads help stop symptoms of acid reflux. They are a good source of fiber and may help absorb stomach acid. Lean protein — Low-fat, lean sources of protein also reduce symptoms. Good choices are chicken, seafood, tofu, and egg whites.
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
Baking soda can quickly neutralize stomach acid and relieve indigestion, bloating, and gas after eating. For this remedy, add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to 4 ounces of warm water and drink.
An antacid or alginate can help until your acid levels return to normal. For most people acid levels return to normal within one to two weeks.
Your heartburn is causing you to have nausea or vomiting (especially if you are vomiting blood or black material). You've experienced a drastic or unexplained weight loss accompanied by heartburn. You have a chronic cough, choking sensation or sense of a lump in your throat.
Is GERD (chronic acid reflux) dangerous or life-threatening? GERD isn't life-threatening or dangerous in itself. But long-term GERD can lead to more serious health problems: Esophagitis: Esophagitis is the irritation and inflammation the stomach acid causes in the lining of the esophagus.
Drinks you can try at home to improve acid reflux include alkaline water and herbal tea, specifically licorice, ginger, or chamomile tea. Does drinking water help acid reflux? Drinking water can help to balance the pH of a particularly acidic meal (which can trigger acid reflux in some people).