Overview Consulting Doctor Symptoms Causes Prevention Tests Required for Diagnosis Treatment Useful info References

Acidity

Overview

Acidity is also referred to as acid reflux. It is distinguished by heartburn in the lower chest area, where the stomach should be. Acidity occurs when gastric acid flows back up into the food pipe or esophagus, causing such symptoms. Acidity can be caused by a number of variables, including poor eating habits, high amounts of stress, and the use of specific drugs. Furthermore, lifestyle decisions such as smoking and eating foods high in oil, fat, and spices can increase your acidity risk. Acidity can also cause gastric or esophageal problems. Acidity symptoms include a burning feeling and pain in the throat and lower chest, trouble swallowing food, frequent burping or hiccups, and regurgitation (a persistent sour taste in the mouth).Acidity can be avoided through a healthy lifestyle, and it can be treated with medications such as proton pump inhibitors.

Consulting Doctor

The symptoms of acidity are often simple to deal with by using over-the-counter medications and making lifestyle changes. However, if you have severe chest pain, discomfort, or heartburn that is different or worse than normal, see a doctor. Also, if you have these symptoms more than twice a week or on a regular basis, do not hesitate to visit your doctor's office to determine the root cause and get it treated.

Specialists that can help manage acidity include:

General physician
Gastroenterologist

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Symptoms

When some of the stomach's acid content flows back up into the oesophagus, or food pipe, which connects the mouth to the stomach, acidity symptoms appear. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) normally acts as a valve, allowing food into the stomach but stopping it from returning up into the oesophagus. When this valve fails to work properly, stomach contents are regurgitated into the esophagus, causing the acidity symptoms listed below:

1. Heartburn

Heartburn (acid reflux) is a burning sensation behind the sternum, which may be accompanied by airy, sour or bitter belching. Unpleasant sensations are aggravated after eating, when bending forward or lying down.

With a mild degree of heartburn, which occurs no more than once a month and is accompanied by belching of air or gastric contents, every second adult has met at least once.

2. Regurgitation

Regurgitation may occur in some individuals who are acidic. It is a sensation caused by the movement of liquid undigested food, bile, or stomach acid up and down the oesophagus. This sensation is similar to being pukish and typically occurs after eating, exercising, or bending immediately after eating.

3. Sour belching

Sour belching is the spontaneous reflux of low pH stomach contents into the mouth. The symptom can be combined with heartburn, burning behind the sternum and other dyspeptic disorders, usually indicating the presence of organic or functional pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract.

4. Dysphagia

It is a clinical symptom of swallowing dysfunction - difficulty or discomfort in moving the food bolus from the oral cavity to the stomach. Dysphagia is the perception that there is an obstacle to the normal movement of swallowed food, not accompanied by pain, resulting from a violation of the passage of food from the oral cavity to the stomach.

5. Sore throat

The vocal cords or voice box may become irritated by stomach acid when it rises to the mouth, causing sore throat or hoarseness.

6. Dyspepsia

It refer to one or more signs of a malfunction of the upper parts of the digestive system: the esophagus, stomach, part of the small intestine. It can also be a symptom of acidity and other digestive issues. It can cause pain as well as a burning sensation.

Causes

Gastric juices are produced by the stomach and aid in meal digestion. However, due to a variety of factors, gastric juicess can be secreted in excess specially increase in hydrochloric acid, resulting in acidity. Acid reflux is caused by factors that influence the function of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).

Some of the common causes of acidity include:

1. Food and dietary factors

· Processed meals that are rich in sodium, sugar, refined oils, and synthetic additives

· Caffeinated beverages and alcohol

· Carbonated drinks, sugary drinks, and adrenaline drinks

· Excessive sugar and fake sweeteners

· Fried and spicy meal or snacks

· Citrus fruits, garlic, onions, and tomatoes are examples of acidic meals.

· Diet low in fiber

· Overeating or eating at irregular intervals

· Unhealthy eating habits

· Over eating before physical exercise

2. Lifestyle factors

· Alcohol abuse

· Smoking

· Insomnia and restlessness

· Inactive and Sedentary lifestyle

3. Ailments and medications

· Excessive stress, anxiety, or depression

· Diseases, like Esophageal diseases, Duodenal and Peptic ulcers, GERD, Gastric Cancer etc.

· Medications, like Aspirin, painkillers, antibiotics, chemotherapy medications, and antidepressants. These drugs reduce the production of bicarbonates - bicarbonates alkalinize (make less acidic) the contents in the outlet of the stomach and duodenum.

Risk Factors Of Acidity

The following conditions are associated with a higher chance of acidity:

· Medical conditions, such as diabetes, celiac disease, and connective tissue disorders, like scleroderma

· Hiatal hernia

· Delayed stomach emptying

· Overweight/Obesity

· Pregnancy

· Menopause

various operations in the stomach or esophagus, such as vagotomy, gastrectomy and resection of the stomach;
pylorospasm (contraction of the sphincter of the stomach at the site of its transition to the duodenum);
peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum ;
stress.

Prevention

A few easy tips and tricks can assist you in preventing and managing acidity. These are some examples:

Smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day, rather than big, calorie-dense meals.

Avoiding lying down for 2 to 3 hours after eating and avoiding eating 2 to 3 hours before bed

Avoiding wearing tight clothing that places pressure on your stomach

Increasing the amount of fibre in your diet and lowering the number of calories you consume per meal

Avoid smoking

Following a Mediterranean diet

Chewing your food thoroughly

Staying hydrated in between meals

Getting adequate sleep

Maintaining a moderate weight

Exercise daily

Do not wear tight waist belts:

Wearing a waist belt that is too tight, particularly for an extended period of time, can cause heartburn. This is due to the fact that having a tight waist belt can alter anterior pelvic tilt. (where your pelvis is rotated forward and the spine is curvd). This usually happens while seated or standing, and it causes increased abdominal pressure by narrowing the waist circumference and decreasing the space within the abdominal cavity. Learn about other lifestyle variables that can increase your acidity risk.

Treatment

Avoid sleeping on your right side as it can worsen acidity

Sleeping on your left side can help you sleep better and avoid heartburn. According to studies, sleeping on the right side can exacerbate the symptoms of acid reflux. This is because lying on your right side increases the likelihood of acid leaking through the LES, raising the risk of heartburn. Keep your gut healthy and you’ll stay healthy.

Tests Required for Diagnosis

It is advisable to see a doctor if you experience any acidity signs, such as burping (leaving a sour flavour in your mouth), regurgitation, bloating, or burning pain or discomfort (also known as heartburn). To determine the cause, your doctor may perform a physical check and ask you a few questions about your daily activities.

Your doctor might decide against recommending any procedures if your symptoms are minor. However, your doctor might advise further testing if your symptoms don't go away after therapy or if you experience symptoms like internal bleeding or trouble swallowing.

The tests include:

1. Upper GI endoscopy: The lining of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine are examined using an endoscope, which is a tiny flexible tube inserted in the throat.

2. pH monitoring: By measuring the amount of stomach acid that enters through the food pipe and how long it remains in the stomach, this test best aids in measuring stomach acid production.

3. Barium swallow test (esophagram): In this, you need to drink a liquid barium mixture and get an X-ray of the chest and upper abdomen done to help identify any physical abnormalities in the stomach or esophagus.

4. Esophageal manometry: It is a procedure that assists in determining how well the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and esophageal muscles are working. If the food you consume can pass through your oesophagus normally or not, it will let your doctor know.

5. Electrocardiogram (ECG): If you experience severe chest pain or discomfort, an ECG may occasionally be advised to examine your heart health. Additionally, depending on your condition and the symptoms, other tests, like a biopsy, may be suggested.

Useful info

Struggling with acidity? Discover quick relief from acidity with Ayurvedic medicine, offering natural solutions right at home. For instant relief from acidity and gas, try simple remedies along with the best medicine for acidity. Incorporate yoga for acidity into your routine for long-term digestive health and a holistic approach to well-being.

References

Learn more about Acidic Foods | Acid Reflux | Acidity Basics

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. For any concerns about your health or you are experiencing symptoms, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional. They will be able to assess your specific situation and provide you with personalised advice and treatment based on your symptoms, body type, allergies (if any), existing medical conditions etc. It is always better to consult with a healthcare professional before making any decisions about your health. By accessing this article you agree with our terms and condition https://proceed.fit/frontend/terms_conditions.