Acidity

Acidity, also known as acid reflux or heartburn, is a common condition characterized by the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus. Normally, a lower esophageal sphincter (LES) valve prevents this acid reflux but its malfunctioning causes acidity. In this article, we will look into the acidity causes, symptoms, and treatment of acidity.

What is Acidity?

Acidity typically refers to the excess stomach acid which plays an important role in the digestive process. Stomach acid, primarily composed of hydrochloric acid (HCl), aids in the digestion of food by breaking it down into smaller particles and facilitating the absorption of nutrients. However, when there is an overproduction of stomach acid or when the protective mechanisms in the stomach lining fail, it can lead to various symptoms and discomfort, commonly known as acid reflux or heartburn.

Acid Reflux

Causes of Acidity

The following are the causes of acidity:

Diet and Eating Habits

Certain foods can trigger acidity by increasing the production of stomach acid or weakening the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the valve that prevents acid reflux. These foods include spicy, fatty, and acidic foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, caffeine, and carbonated beverages. Eating large meals or consuming heavy meals close to bedtime can also worsen the acidity symptoms.

Lifestyle Factors

• Stress: Psychological stress can contribute to acidity by triggering the release of stress hormones like cortisol, which can increase stomach acid production.
• Lack of Sleep: Inadequate sleep or irregular sleep patterns can disrupt the body’s natural processes, including digestion, leading to imbalances in stomach acid levels and increasing acidity symptoms.

Certain Medications

Some medications can irritate the stomach lining or increase stomach acid production, leading to acidity symptoms. Examples include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen, certain antibiotics, corticosteroids, bisphosphonates, and potassium supplements.

Medical Conditions

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD is a chronic condition characterized by frequent acid reflux, often due to a weakened LES or other anatomical abnormalities. It can lead to severe symptoms of acidity, including chronic heartburn, regurgitation, and esophageal damage if left untreated.
• Peptic Ulcers: Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop on the lining of the stomach, small intestine, or esophagus due to factors such as infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria, excessive use of NSAIDs, or excessive alcohol consumption. Peptic ulcers can cause acidity symptoms such as burning abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Symptoms of Acidity

The symptoms of acidity can vary in severity and frequency from person to person, and they may worsen or improve depending on factors such as diet, lifestyle habits, and underlying medical conditions:

• Heartburn: Heartburn, also known as acid indigestion, is a burning sensation or discomfort that typically rises from the stomach or lower chest towards the neck or throat.
• Regurgitation: Regurgitation refers to the sensation of acidic or sour-tasting contents flowing back up from the stomach into the throat or mouth.
• Sour Taste in the Mouth: A sour taste in the mouth is a common symptom of acidity and regurgitation. It occurs when stomach acid rises into the esophagus and reaches the oral cavity.
• Chest Pain: Chest pain associated with acidity can vary in intensity and location but is often described as a burning or discomforting sensation behind the breastbone or in the chest area.
• Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia): Dysphagia refers to difficulty swallowing or the sensation of food getting stuck in the throat or chest. It can occur due to irritation or inflammation of the esophagus caused by acid reflux.

Other Symptoms

• Nausea
• Burping or Belching
• Bloating
• Chronic Cough
• Hoarseness or Sore Throat.

Acidity Symptoms

Treatment of Acidity

The following treatment options help to reduce symptoms, heal damaged tissue, prevent complications, and improve overall quality of life for individuals suffering from acidity. It’s important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable treatment approach based on individual needs and underlying medical conditions:

Treatment of Acid Reflux

Lifestyle Changes

• Dietary Modifications: Avoiding trigger foods like spicy, fatty, and acidic foods, and consuming smaller, more frequent meals.
• Stress Management Techniques: Practices such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress levels.
• Weight Management: Losing excess weight can reduce pressure on the stomach and reduce acidity symptoms.

Over-the-Counter Medications

• Antacids: Neutralize stomach acid to provide quick relief from symptoms like heartburn and indigestion.
• H2 Blockers: Reduce the production of stomach acid, providing longer-lasting relief compared to antacids.
• Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Block acid production in the stomach, offering effective symptom relief for longer durations.

Prescription Medications

• Prescription-strength PPIs: Higher doses of PPIs may be prescribed for severe or persistent acidity symptoms.
• Prokinetics: Help strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter and improve gastric emptying to reduce acid reflux.
• Antibiotics (for H. pylori infection): If Helicobacter pylori infection is present, antibiotics may be prescribed to eradicate the bacteria and reduce acidity-related symptoms.

Prevention of Acidity

Here are four effective prevention strategies for managing acidity:

Avoid Trigger Foods and Drinks

Certain foods and beverages can increase acidity symptoms. Avoiding trigger foods such as spicy, fatty, and acidic foods, caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks can help prevent acid reflux and reduce the likelihood of experiencing discomfort.

Eat Smaller Meals

Consuming large meals can put pressure on the stomach and increase the risk of acid reflux. Opting for smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day can help prevent excessive stomach distension and reduce the likelihood of acidity symptoms.

Avoid Lying Down After Eating

Lying down or reclining shortly after eating can promote the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus. To minimize acid reflux, try to remain upright for at least two to three hours after meals. Engaging in light activity, such as taking a leisurely walk, can also aid digestion and reduce acidity symptoms.

Elevate the Head of Your Bed

Elevating the head of your bed by 6 to 8 inches can help prevent acid reflux during sleep. This position helps gravity keep stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. You can achieve elevation by placing blocks or wedges under the head of the bed or by using a specially designed bed wedge pillow.

Conclusion: Acidity – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

In conclusion, acidity is a frequent condition that can be painful and uncomfortable. Acidity symptoms can be decreased with medication and lifestyle modifications. Persistent symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, difficulty swallowing, or chest pain may indicate underlying conditions that require proper diagnosis and treatment. For an accurate diagnosis and course of treatment, it’s important to speak with a medical professional if you frequently or severely experience acidity.

FAQs on Acidity – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

What Causes Acidity?

Acidity can be caused by factors such as diet, lifestyle habits, certain medications, and underlying medical conditions like GERD or peptic ulcers.

What are the Common Symptoms of Acidity?

Common symptoms include heartburn, regurgitation, sour taste in the mouth, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, nausea, and bloating.

How is Acidity Diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a medical history review, physical examination, and may include diagnostic tests like endoscopy or pH monitoring.

What Lifestyle Changes can Help Manage Acidity?

Lifestyle changes such as avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy weight can help alleviate acidity symptoms.

What Over-the-Counter Medications are Available for Acidity?

Over-the-counter options include antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which can provide relief from symptoms like heartburn and indigestion.

When Should I See a Doctor for Acidity?

You should consult a doctor if you experience persistent or severe acidity symptoms, difficulty swallowing, unintended weight loss, or symptoms not relieved by over-the-counter medications.

What are the Treatment Options for Acidity?

Treatment options include lifestyle changes, over-the-counter and prescription medications, and in some cases, surgical interventions or procedures to manage underlying conditions like GERD or peptic ulcers.