What Happens When Someone Has Acid Indigestion?

Introduction

Indigestion is a term used to describe the symptoms associated with discomfort in your upper abdomen. Acid indigestion is a term used when these symptoms originate from issues with stomach acid. Acid indigestion is usually felt as a burning sensation deep in your stomach.

Triggers

Acid indigestion can be triggered in host of different ways. Eating certain foods such as spicy foods or foods with high grease contents can cause indigestion to occur. Also, eating too quickly can contribute to acid indigestion. Smoking, drinking alcohol and leading a stressful life can also cause flare ups of acid indigestion.

Stomach Acid

Acid indigestion is usually caused when stomach acid production reaches higher than normal healthy levels. This causes an irritating burning sensation to occur in both the stomach and duodenum. As long as the trigger food is eliminated, the body will eventually regulate the amount of stomach acid being produced and the acid indigestion will cease. Unfortunately, if the trigger is ignored and continued, the increased levels of stomach acid can do permanent damage including the formation of peptic ulcers.

Stomach Lining

Acid indigestion can also occur when the stomach lining is not thick enough. This is usually caused by consuming products that can break down the stomach lining such as anti-inflammatory medications and nicotine. These products break down the mucus lining the stomach walls that protect the stomach from damage from its own stomach acid. This is why many smokers develop chronic acid indigestion.