Acidity - Symptom, Treatment, And Causes

What is Acidity?

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 (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can also make an individual more susceptible to developing gastric acidity. Acidity is characterized 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.

What causes 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:

• Consuming non-vegetarians and spicy foods.

• Excessive stress.

• Consuming too much alcohol.

• Smoking frequently

• Stomach disorders such as stomach tumors, gastroesophageal reflux disease and peptic ulcers.

• Medications such as NSAIDs (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

What are the Symptoms of Acidity?

• Burning sensation in the stomach
• Belching.
• Burning sensation in the throat.

Treatment for acidity:

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.

Key Highlights

Treatable by medical professional

Usually self diagnosable

Lab test not required

Short-term: resolves within days to weeks

Non communicable