• Stomach pain or discomfort
• Heartburn (a burning rising from your stomach or lower chest towards your neck)
• Sour taste in mouth/acid regurgitation
• Excessive burping/belching
• Increased abdominal bloating
• Nausea
• Feeling full just after eating or not able to finish meals - feeling of abnormal or slow digestion

(Myth) Few people suffer from these symptoms

(Fact) The condition is very common-as many as seven million (or 29%) adult Canadians suffer from it, and most do experience at least one of the symptoms from time to time. The symptoms tend to be persistent or recurrent-and they can make your life miserable.

There is a range of symptoms of the upper digestive tract that can be caused by excess acid production and/or by acid moving to unprotected parts of the GI tract.

Based on your symptoms your doctor will help you choose the most appropriate treatment.

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• Excess acid backs up from your stomach to your esophagus (food pipe), especially after you have eaten and the stomach is releasing extra acid to digest your meal.

• Possibly, this happens when the opening or valve between the stomach and esophagus is not working properly, allowing the stomach acid to creep upwards.

• Unlike the stomach lining, the lining of the esophagus is not designed to withstand a great deal of contact with acid. The result? Lots of uncomfortable symptoms.

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(Fact) If you’re unfamiliar with it, acid-related stomach pain can be scary-sometimes it can even feel as though it’s coming from your chest, causing you to worry that might be your heart.

If you experience these symptoms you should go see your doctor. The doctor can easily determine the cause of these symptoms. While it is true that, if left untreated, acid-related symptoms may lead to serious problems, in most instances they are easily managed with available medications.

Occasionally, acid-related symptoms are caused by an ulcer. We know that most ulcers are caused not by stress, diet or lifestyle, but by a combination of excess stomach acid and infection by H. pylori. (See next section, “Is testing required?”)

Certain medications can also cause acid-related disease, and even ulcers. That’s one reason your doctor will need to know what medications you are taking.

Fortunately, some of the most effective treatments for acid-related symptoms are used to heal ulcers and help antibiotics cure the infection that cause them.
Remember that you should always check with your doctor if you are concerned about symptoms you are experiencing.

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(Fact) Actually, the best scientific evidence shows that most patients with acid-related symptoms can be treated successfully with simple treatments, with little or no testing involved.

The most common test involved is a breath test or blood test for bacteria (germ) called Helicobacter pylori (or H. pylori for short), which is found in the stomach of some people. H. Pylori is thought to be connected with the development of ulcers, so it is important to eliminate it, if it is found. Your doctor may decide to test you to see if you have this bacteria.

You and your doctor may already have tried several of the suggested treatments without success. In this case, you may be referred to a specialist for further consultation.

Many people are treated successfully for an acid-related disease without the need for complex tests.

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(Myth) I just have to learn to live with an acid-related disease.

(Fact) Many people don’t realize it, but there are now excellent treatments that can control the unpleasant symptoms of acid-related disease.

Your doctor will also want to know which treatments you are taking. Be sure to bring a complete list of the drugs you are taking, including any herbal and other non-prescription medications.

Be sure to:

• Follow the instructions on the package-don’t take more than the recommended dose

• Make sure that your doctor knows that you are taking the medications

• If you are in doubt, ask your pharmacist before buying the medication

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How can you get the best results from your next doctor’s visit?

Come equipped!

• First of all, you need to provide a complete list of the symptoms you have been experiencing. Please click here to use the checklist and present it to your physician at your next visit.

• Second, bring a list of all the medications you may be taking. Identifying these medications may help your doctor to pinpoint the nature of your problem.

• Third, let your doctor know if your pain is becoming more troublesome and/or your symptoms are worsening.

Your doctor has many resources and treatment options to help you control your symptoms. The best approach is to work in partnership with your physician, to develop the plan of action that’s right for you!

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