Why Do I Experience Stomach Acid?

The stomach, located in the upper abdomen just below the sternum, is often the source of uncomfortable sensations such as acidity, burning, or irritation. These feelings are commonly described as a result of stomach acid. Clinically, the primary causes include the following:

Excess Stomach Acid Production
While true hyperacidity is relatively rare, many people experience symptoms due to a relative increase in stomach acid. This can lead to acid reflux and discomfort. Both traditional Chinese medicine and Western pharmaceutical treatments can be effective in managing these symptoms.

Bile Reflux
In addition to acid reflux, bile reflux can also cause a burning or bloated feeling in the upper abdomen. This occurs when bile flows backward from the small intestine into the stomach and sometimes into the esophagus, causing irritation and discomfort.

Psychological Factors Like Anxiety
Interestingly, some patients experience acid-related symptoms due to psychological conditions such as anxiety or depression. In these cases, treating the symptoms as if they were caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease or bile reflux may not yield good results.

Recognizing the Role of Mental Health
When conventional treatments fail, it's important to consider that emotional stress or mental health issues could be the root cause. Addressing anxiety or depression with appropriate therapies, including antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications, can bring relief. Additionally, traditional Chinese medicine approaches that focus on soothing the liver and harmonizing the stomach have shown promising results in these cases.

Understanding the underlying cause of stomach acid is key to effective treatment. Whether it's due to physical or psychological factors, identifying the right approach can significantly improve comfort and quality of life.