Symptoms of Acidity

The symptoms of acidity or acid reflux include a burning sensation felt in the chest area. It is due to excess acid in the stomach, which goes back to the oesophagus, causing heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and stomach ulcers. Symptoms of acidity can be seen in all age groups. The words acidity and heartburn, which mean a burning feeling in the chest, are frequently used interchangeably.

In this article, we will study the definition of acidity, its causes, symptoms, and complications, who are prone to acidity, treatment of stomach acidity, diagnosis of stomach acidity, and when to see a doctor.

Definition of Acidity

Acidity is caused when the stomach produces an excessive amount of acid in the stomach. The stomach secretes gastric acid to aid food digestion and maintain balance in the digestive tract. When the balance in the stomach is disturbed, an excess of acid is secreted, which can lead to acidity-related issues.

How does Acidity Occur?

Acidity is caused by an imbalance in the stomach acid, which is caused by excessive secretion. Several factors, including stress, certain medications, obesity, smoking, and eating habits, might contribute to the imbalance. Heartburn, regurgitation, and discomfort can result from stomach acid refluxing into the oesophagus when the lower oesophagal sphincter weakens. Acidity is partly caused by the acidic contents irritating the lining of the oesophagus.

Symptoms of Acidity

Symptoms of acidity should be recognised as soon as possible, as different people go through different types of symptoms. The symptoms are:

1. Heartburn: It is a burning sensation in the chest.
2. Dyspepsia: The pain in the upper area of the abdomen.
3. Bloating: Bloating means a distended stomach or a feeling that the abdomen is full.
4. Difficulty swallowing: It is a feeling that food is stuck in the throat.
5. Regurgitation: The sour taste in the mouth due to the backflow of stomach contents. It happens mostly due to a weakened oesophagal sphincter.
6. Nausea: It is a feeling or urge to vomit as acids in the stomach irritate the stomach lining.
7. Burping: Burping is the release of air from the stomach through the mouth.

Causes of Acidity

Following are the causes of acidity:

1. Eating Habits: Consuming spicy, carbonated, and acidic food can trigger the excess secretion of acids in the stomach.
2. Smoking: The lower oesophagal sphincter loosens up due to smoking, which causes acid reflux.
3. Obesity: Due to excess weight, there can be more pressure on the stomach, which may cause excess production of acid.
4. Stress: Stress can interfere with the digestive tract, thus leading to more acid production.
5. Hiatal hernia: It is a condition in which part of the stomach protrudes into the chest area, which leads to acid reflux.

Complications of Stomach Acid

The complications of stomach acid are:

• Ulcers
• Inflammation
• Bleeding

It happens because stomach acid sometimes burns the oesophagus and stomach tissues. The complications of stomach acid also include narrowing of the oesophagus and weakening of the lower oesophagal sphincter.

Who is Prone to Acidity?

Acidity can affect people of all ages, although some people may be more vulnerable to it than others for several reasons. More susceptible people are:

1. Smokers: Smokers have their sphincter of the lower oesophagus loosened or weakened, which causes acid reflux.
2. Obese Individuals: Excess weight puts pressure on the stomach, causing reflux of stomach acids.
3. Pregnant Women: Hormonal changes and a growing uterus can cause acid reflux.
4. Individuals suffering from hiatal hernia: The stomach protrudes to the chest area in cases of hiatal hernia, causing acid reflux.
5. Stressed Individuals: Stress can cause digestive issues and acidity.
6. Bad Dietary Habit: Eating an unbalanced diet and drinking carbonated beverages can hamper a balanced stomach environment.

Treatment of Stomach Acidity

There are many ways to cure stomach acidity. Some of them are:

1. Home remedies: Aloe vera, and ginger are known for their digestive properties and may help in relieving the symptoms
2. Antacids: Over-the-counter medicines can be used to neutralize stomach acid.
3. Lifestyle Changes: Eating a balanced diet, managing stress and quitting smoking.
4. H2 Blockers: H2 blockers stop the chemical that produces acid.
5. Baclofen: Baclofen is a muscle relaxant and it reduces muscle spasms. It also reduces the frequency of acid reflux.

Diagnosis of Acidity

The following techniques are used to diagnose acidity:

1. pH monitoring: To check the acid levels in the oesophagus.
2. Barium Swallow: The procedure is done to trace any narrowings in the oesophagus and also helps to detect ulcers.
3. Endoscopy: A tiny camera is used with a long flexible tube to check the oesophagus and stomach by inserting it in the mouth.

When to See a Doctor

A person should see a doctor in the following situations:

1. If the symptoms are persistent for a long time
2. If there are issues while swallowing
3. If there is unintentional weight loss
4. If chest pain starts to resemble a heart attack

Conclusion: Symptoms of Acidity

In summary, acid is released by glands in the stomach. If produced in optimum amounts, it may help in digestion but if released in excessive amounts it can cause acidity. Acidity can be caused by many factors and the most common one is unhealthy diet consumption that includes carbonated beverages, coffee and spicy foods.

If a person suffers from persistent acidity then he or she may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). People who adopt lifestyle modifications, appropriate medication and timely medical attention can effectively control and ease the discomfort caused by acidity.

FAQs – Symptoms of Acidity

What are the main Causes of Acidity?

Acidity is due to the excessive release of acids in the stomach. During acidity, the acids move back to the oesophagus or food pipe. Acidity can be caused by unbalanced diet, carbonated beverages and coffee.

What are the Home Remedies for Acidity?

Home remedies to cure acidity include ginger and aloe vera. Both of them are known for their digestive properties. Drinking aloe vera juice before meals is said to have a neutralising effect on the stomach. Chewing ginger also helps with acidity.

How do you get Rid of Acidity?

Acidity can be reduced in many ways. Firstly, it is advised to eat slowly. Avoid carbonated beverages, coffee, garlic and alcohol. It is also advised to quit smoking as it helps relax the lower oesophagal sphincter.

How does Acidity feel in the body?

Acidity can be felt as heartburn, nausea, indigestion, and vomiting. Sometimes people complain about bad breath and severe pain in the chest.

Can Acidity be Cured?

Acidity is a common and manageable condition but can also be a chronic issue. Various treatments may help to alleviate the symptoms and prevent further complications. A healthy diet and a few medications can help with acidity.