Human body is complex and every person is likely to go through different medical ups and downs. Considering the lifestyle changes, today, acidity has become a very common digestive problem. Stress, reduction in physical activity, irregular eating habits, and processed food intake are common causes of acidity. It affects people across ages and has become common both in urban and rural areas.
Wondering what is acidity? Well, if you ever feel sour taste in your mouth, burning sensation in chest after a heavy meal, or discomfort at night then these may be signs of acidity. While occasional acidity is common and harmless, frequent acidity can be a sign of digestive disorder which needs medical attention. Let’s read about acidity in detail.
Stomach secretes hydrochloric acid which helps in digesting food and killing the harmful bacteria. When this acid is produced in excess or flows into the esophagus / the food pipe, it causes acidity.
Acidity can occur after overeating or consuming spicy food. It is mainly associated with acid reflux, indigestion, heartburn, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Chronic acidity when caused may affect sleep, daily activities, and health. Gastroenterology Hospital in Jaipur.
There are numerous acidity symptoms which vary from person to person. While some may experience only mild discomfort, others might face severe symptoms.
1. Heartburn
Heartburn is one of the most common acidity symptoms which is characterized by sensation in chest that can worsen after eating meals or when you lie down.
2. Sour Taste in the Mouth
If you have a sour taste in your mouth that may mean that the stomach acid has travelled upward into the throat. This a sign of acidity.
3. Regurgitation
You might experience a feeling of food or acid coming back into the throat or mouth making you uneasy.
4. Bloating
Abdominal fullness or excess gas formation are indications of acidity.
5. Indigestion
Patients with acidity might complain of feeling nauseous, having difficulty in digesting food, getting full quickly or some abdominal discomfort.
6. Frequent Burping
Acidity can cause frequent burping which is an indication of trapped gas or digestive problem.
7. Sore Throat and Chronic Cough
Continuous acid reflux can irritate the throat and vocal cords causing chronic cough, and hoarseness.
8. Chest Discomfort
Acidity can also cause heart-related chest pain which should be immediately consulted.
There are many causes of acidity which may be a combination of diet, negative lifestyle or medical reasons. Let’s read about these in detail.
1. Unhealthy Eating Habits
Eating habits play a major role in increasing stomach acid. The dietary triggers that have been commonly found include oily, spicy, fried, processed, and fast food. Also, tea, coffee, carbonated beverages, and citrus fruits may also cause it.
2. Overeating
You should always eat your food according to hunger and not overeat. Eating in excess causes pressure, stretches the stomach and leads to acid reflux.
3. Irregular Meal Timing
Your normal digestive functioning is likely to get disturbed if you don’t have your meals on time. If you eat food late at night or skip meals then this can lead to increase in acid production.
4. Stress and Anxiety
Stress affects the digestive functioning and therefore any anxiety or tension can make the acidity symptoms worse.
5. Obesity
Obesity is yet another reason which can lead to acidity by putting pressure on the stomach.
6. Smoking
If you have been smoking, there are chances of having a weak lower esophageal sphincter which prevents the stomach acid from moving upwards.
7. Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol consumption irritates the lining of stomach which increases acid secretion leading to acidity.
8. Lack of Physical Activity
A sedentary lifestyle is very harmful and can cause different medical issues such as poor digestion and obesity leading to acidity.
9. Certain Medications
There are certain medicines which irritate the stomach line and cause acidity such as painkillers, steroids, antibiotic, and blood pressure medicines.
10. Pregnancy
Hormonal changes and pressure created by the growing uterus may lead to acidity.
11. Medical Conditions
There are medical issues which can cause chronic acidity such as gastritis, peptic ulcer, hiatal hernia, and GERD.
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The acidity treatment depends on the cause and severity of condition.
1. Lifestyle Modifications
Some people have acidity due to poor lifestyle which can be treating by following a healthy routine.
• Exercise Regularly
If you want to live a healthy life then it is necessary that you exercise regularly and do physical activities.
• Eat Smaller Meals
If you are unable to digest larger meals properly then you can choose to have smaller portions throughout the day.
• Avoid Late-Night Eating
You should avoid late night eating or have your dinner at least 2 to 3 hours before the bedtime.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight
Investing in fitness can help you in maintaining healthy weight which helps in reducing the reflux symptoms.
• Quit Smoking & Alcohol
Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol to improve your digestive functioning and decreasing the symptoms of acidity.
2. Dietary Changes
Include healthy foods which aid digestion such as oatmeal, bananas, green vegetables, yogurt, water-rich fruits, and whole grains. Avoid unhealthy food such as fried and spicy dishes, soft drinks, coffee, and high-fat meals.
3. Medications
There are several medicines which are used to manage acidity like antacids, H2 receptor blockers and PPIs. While antacids are given to provide quick relief by neutralizing the stomach acid, H2 receptor blockers and PPIs help in reducing the acid production. You should take medicines only as prescribed by the doctor.
4. Treatment of Underlying Conditions
If acidity is caused due to underlying medical condition, then treating it can help in getting rid of acidity. Some tests, and investigation might be required to know the underlying cause and the course of action can be chosen accordingly.
Acidity is a very common digestive disorder which can happen to anyone irrespective of their age. There are different symptoms, causes, and treatment available to tackle it. While mild acidity is harmless, severe acidity can interfere with the normal routine.
If you have been going through symptoms like vomiting, difficulty in swallowing, acid reflux, or chest pain, immediately consult a gastrologist at Tagore Hospital. The gastroenterology department has the best team of doctors and gastro surgeons which makes it the best gastroenterology hospital in Jaipur.
Q.1 What are the symptoms of high acidity?
Ans. The common symptoms of acidity are chest burning, sour taste in mouth, nausea, indigestion, bloating, acid reflux, and frequent burping.
Q.2 How do I stop my acidity?
Ans. Acidity can be stopped by treating the underlying cause and following a healthy lifestyle.
Q.3 How can I get relief from acidity quickly?
Ans. You can get quick relief from acidity by taking antacids, drinking water and avoiding food and habits which triggers it.
Q.4 What foods should be avoided if I have acidity?
Ans. If you have acidity then you should avoid spicy / oily food, carbonated drinks, alcohol, smoking, chocolates, and fatty meals.
Q.5 Is acidity good or bad?
Ans. Stomach acid is needed for good digestion and nutrient absorption. However, when the acid production loses its balance then it can lead to digestive issues.
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