Acidity is a medical condition that is caused due to excess production of acid. This acid is produced by the glands of the stomach. Acidity causes signs such as ulcers in the stomach, gastric inflammation, heartburn, and dyspepsia.
It is usually caused due to several factors such as irregular eating patterns, lack of physical sports or activities, alcohol consumption, smoking, stress, fad diets, and poor eating habits. People are more prone to developing acidity in places where people consume more non-vegetarian, spicy and oily food.
A lot of medications such as NSAID (Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can also make an individual more susceptible to developing gastric acidity. Acidity is characterised by a deep burning sensation after consuming a heavy meal. Indigestion and constipation are also common in people who have acidity.
It can be cured by Home Remedies or by consuming antacids and implementing healthy. A technique is known as endosperm also provides immense relief from acid reflux. Common signs of acidity include indigestion, nausea, sour taste in the mouth, constipation, restlessness and burning sensation in the stomach & throat.
Acidity or acidosis leads to the imbalance of pH in the body, it usually happens when the kidney and lungs are unable to remove excess acid in the body. This thus then leads to acidity.
Our stomach usually produces gastric acids which help in digestion. The corrosive effects of these acids are balanced by the production of prostaglandins and natural bicarbonate which are secreted in the mucous lining. This damages the stomach lining and causes acidity.
Other factors which cause acidity include:
Acidity occurs when the gastric glands in the stomach produce an overabundance of acid and the kidneys can not get rid of it. It usually comes with heartburn, reflux, indigestion. Typically, acidity is caused by consuming extra spicy food, coffee, overeating, having a low-fibre diet.
People who are prone to acidity are:
Acidity, commonly referred to as acid reflux, is a condition accompanied by the movement of gastric acid back into the esophagus. The occurrence of Acidity is quite normal if it happens occasionally, but it's a serious concern if the frequency is high.
Acidity can be a chronic condition and in that case, it doesn’t go away on its own. Consultation with a doctor becomes necessary for early treatment, otherwise, it may lead to complications such as ulcers, strictures, and inflammation in the oesophagus.
Acidity is of two types:
The difference between acidity and gas is:
However, when the excess gas is produced or trapped because of eating large meals or spicy food, it is released through a burp.
It can mild to extreme and sometimes cause stomach pain if it is trapped or when the digestive system is not running smoothly.
One can follow a number of methods to prevent acidity and they are quite simple to follow:
Acid reflux is accompanied by discomfort in the stomach as a result of rich or spicy food or a large meal. Acidity can usually be calmed by over-the-counter medicines like an antacid. But one should go to urgent care if he/she experiences breathing difficulties, persistent difficulties with swallowing, chowking, the passage of black tarry stool, weakness, or loss of weight.
Though acid reflux is common in all, do visit a gastroenterologist if the symptom is recurrent. This potential condition will not disappear on its own. Untreated acid reflux or GERD will lead to esophageal inflammation, ulcers and cancer too. Immediately consult a gastroenterologist if you feel
During your visit, the doctor will examine, esophagus, stomach, duodenum to determine the cause and will provide you the appropriate treatment.
Key Highlights:Treatable by medical professional
Usually self diagnosable
Lab test not required
Short-term: resolves within days to weeks
Non communicable
Acidity is diagnosed with various methods. Some of these are listed below:
Acidity can be cured by consuming antacids that contain aluminum, calcium or magnesium. Many times, H2 receptor blockers (histamine blocking agents) like nizatidine, famotidine, ranitidine, and cimetidine are used. Proton pump inhibitors are also prescribed by the doctor if you have severe acidity. Acidity can also be treated by Home Remedies such as consuming bananas, cold milk, aniseeds, cumin, cardamom, cloves, mint leaves, and ginger.
You can also prevent acidity by avoiding spicy foods or pickles during meals, eating more vegetables and fruits, not consuming non-vegetarian food, avoiding medications such as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) & steroids and reducing stress.
Sometimes acidity can also be caused by consuming food just before sleeping. This provokes the stomach enzymes to flow back to your esophagus and cause acid reflux. This can be extremely detrimental to health.
It has been found that Vitamin C from fruits, vegetables, supplements help to relieve acidity and its symptoms. Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron, aids in digestion, and promotes healthy gums and teeth.
Acidity is not a serious concern in most cases which can usually be calmed by over-the-counter medicines. But there are certain conditions that need to be treated under consultation with a doctor, such as:
Many patients usually do not require treatment as most of the cases are associated with normal symptoms such as discomfort in the stomach. The mild discomfort is amenable to treatment by over-the-counter medications such as antacids. Lifestyle modifications also lead to the resolution of symptoms. In other words, there is no need for a doctor’s consultation.
Treatment in case of acid reflux is followed by some post-treatment guidelines which are such as:
Acidity treatments generally include medications with antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors. Though immediate relief may be provided through these medicines, there are side effects that have been observed with their chronic use. Some of the proven side effects are bone fracture, renal failure, heart attack, dementia, and vitamin deficiency.
The recovery period in case of Acidity depends upon factors such as type of medications, the severity of the disease, and dietary intake. It takes more than a week to recover if proton pump inhibitors are taken, otherwise it may take comparatively less for H2 blockers.
In case erosion occurs as a result of Acidity, it takes many weeks to get over the disease while it can take up to a month if asthma occurs as a consequence. Diet plays an important role as it can speed up recovery.
The results of treatment may not be permanent. While medications help in prompt relief from the symptoms, lifestyle changes and avoidance of triggering factors help to achieve a permanent cure. In few cases, the symptoms may persist in spite of all efforts aimed at the treatment of Acidity.
Some of the natural ways to reduce the acidity are as follows:
Also Read: Home remedies for acidity
Physical exercises are linked to Acidity in both positive as well as negative ways. Hence it is important for us to know how Acidity is affected by the exercises that we implement in our daily life. Although doing exercises are beneficial in such cases, high-intensity exercises including weight lifting, running, jogging, jump rope, and climbing stairs may aggravate the symptoms following the worsening of the condition.
However, slower as well as low-intensity exercises which keep one in an upright position and do not involve bending forward should be preferred in such conditions.
Some of them include swimming, water aerobics, cardio, biking or stationary biking, brisk walking, light weight lifting exercises, and yoga. These physical exercises should not be performed vigorously and must be done with proper precautions regarding the poses.
Alternatives to the treatment are acupuncture, relaxation, melatonin, hypnotherapy, herbal remedies, and baking soda. Lifestyle modifications like losing weight, avoiding smoking, wearing loose clothes, sleeping with head end up may aid in relief from Acidity.
The food that helps reduce acidity are:
Milk may help buffer the acid in the stomach and absorb the excessive acid produced in the body. It can also help alleviate acidity indications like reflux or heartburn. However, milk should be taken pain and cold with no added sugar.
Warm water is great for flushing out toxins from the body and makes food breakdown easier. Additionally, water has a neutral pH which thus helps increase the pH in the stomach and reduce acidity.
Drinks that are good acidity are:
Coffee does not help with acidity as it stimulates the excessive gastric acid production in the body which may rise up to the oesophagus. Coffee thus increases the acidity as well as heightens its symptoms. Along with coffee, it is advised to avoid caffeinated drinks while suffering from acidosis.
Curd is really good at controlling acidity, it is a natural antacid and a probiotic. Curd contains good bacteria that has a soothing effect on the stomach, helps acidity, and gives a boost to the immune system.
Foods that are rich in acid are:
Medical management can be done with expenditure ranging from less than a rupee to up to 100 rupees. However, if surgical management is indicated then the expenditure varies from 50000 rupees to up to 200000 rupees.
Summary: Acidity is commonly referred to as acid reflux. It is a condition which is accompanied by the movement of gastric acid back into the esophagus. Occurrence of acidity is quite normal if it happens occasionally, but it's a serious concern if the frequency is high. Antacids, H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors are some of the options to treat acidity. Consultation with a doctor is important for an early treatment, otherwise it may lead to complications such as ulcers, strictures and inflammation in oesophagus. Some of the diet modifications and lifestyle changes play an important role in controlling the condition.