The condition of upper gastrointestinal system problems is known as sour stomach. Other names for the disorder are acid indigestion, stomach reflux, queasiness, and upset stomach.

People with sour stomach may suffer from nausea, burping, bloated stomach, and regurgitation, etc. These effects are generally linked to acid reflux/GERD and indigestion which are the most common forms of gastro-esophageal disturbances.

Sour stomach does not last for a last time and typically disappears without any medical care. If the condition is persistent or recurrent, then doctors may conduct tests to verify an underlying causative condition and then treat it accordingly. If the causative factors are not treated, then patients may eventually develop complications.

Symptoms of sour stomach

Sour stomach usually occurs with the below listed signs and symptoms:

• Reflux/regurgitation: The stomach juices, enzymes, etc. travel upwards into the mouth via the esophagus and cause sour/metallic taste in mouth, belching, and heartburn etc. Acid reflux sensations tend to be milder than those felt during vomiting. It often occurs due to short-term loss of esophageal sphincter’s ability to prevent/stop the backward flow of stomach content up the food pipe and throat into the mouth.
• Nausea: It is a feeling of uneasiness or queasiness that usually occurs before one begins to throw up. Nausea may or may not trigger an episode of vomiting. Nausea may persist even if other sour stomach symptoms subside.
• Stomach bloating: Patients may feel satiated or fullness of the stomach even after eating small amounts of food. It typically occurs with excess gas in upper digestive system, which is instrumental in abdominal bloating and increased burps.

Sour stomach may also occur with below listed uncommon symptoms:

• Gurgling or other noises that emanate from the stomach
• Sour taste in mouth and burning pain in chest, especially during acid reflux
• Distention of abdomen
• Ache, discomfort, or pain in stomach

Causes of sour stomach

Sour stomach may be caused due to minor ailments or severe disorders or the upper gastrointestinal system. Acid reflux and non-functional dyspepsia are most commonly associated with occurrence of sour stomach.

A few common causes of sour stomach are mentioned below:

• Eating beyond capacity of stomach (overeating)
• Gulping food or eating tad too fast
• Lying on stomach or face down after eating
• Intake of a heavy meal before sleeping
• Swallowing or gulping increased amounts of air
• Heavy workout or physical activity after eating
• Smoking can trigger nausea and/or stomach problems
• Stomach pain and/or irritation may also occur due to increased intake of fatty or spicy foods
• Sour stomach may occur due to starvation or prolonged fasting which caused buildup of stomach acids
• Sour stomach may occur as part of an allergic reaction to intake of certain foods; severe/anaphylactic allergic reaction to foods may require emergency medical care
• Gastrointestinal infection or food poisoning (gastroenteritis) is another common cause of sour stomach accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea
• Excessively drinking coffee, tea, caffeinated/carbonated beverages, sodas, alcohol, etc. can also trigger stomach problems
• Peptic ulcers, gastritis and other chronic illnesses of the gastrointestinal system may be marked by persistent and prolonged sour stomach
• Varied body systems can be adversely affected by anxiety and excess stress; the gastrointestinal tract may become less efficient and dysfunction and trigger abdominal tightness, indigestion, and sour stomach, etc.

Treatment of sour stomach

Sour stomach is a mild condition that usually resolves with diet modification, home remedies, and lifestyle changes. Persistent or chronic instances need to be checked by a doctor for underlying diseases like peptic ulcers, GERD, etc., which are then treated with medications or even surgery.

Treatment options, home remedies, and self-care guidelines for mild sour stomach are listed below:

• OTC antacids, H-2-receptor antagonists, and other medicines may be advised by physician for alleviation of acid reflux symptoms
• Prokinetics and/or proton pump inhibitors may be prescribed for intense symptoms
• If sour stomach occurs with diarrhea/vomiting, then the body needs to be kept hydrated via intake of adequate amounts of water and other fluids like chicken broth, coconut water, rice water, electrolyte solutions, and Jell-O, etc.
• Eat minimal or avoid fatty foods if they are responsible for causing sour stomach. Eat a healthy, balanced diet with recommended levels of carbohydrates, proteins, and other nutrients.
• The symptoms can be alleviated via intake of chamomile tea, green tea, or cinnamon tea and/or ginger, mint, honey.
• Eat small meals about 4 to 5 times a day, instead of 3 large meals.
• Ensure that the body weight is healthy and right and exercise about 5 days a week. Walking after eating meals can help digestion and prevent sour stomach.
• Yoga, meditation, and breathing techniques can help manage stress and decrease the incidences and severity of sour stomach
• Avoid/limit foods which are known to trigger sour stomach, such as dairy items, gluten, sorbitol, fructose, etc.
• Limit/avoid intake of caffeinated/carbonated drinks, alcohol, and acidic fruit juices, etc.
• Ensure that the last meal of the day is taken about 2 hours before bedtime to prevent indigestion.