Acidity- Causes and treatment

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The stomach has a valve named esophageal sphincters that control the stomach entrance. When the food enters the stomach this valve closes but sometimes due to frequent opening of the valve or due to excessive acid production, the acid that is produced in the stomach to assist in food digestion moves out of the stomach into the food pipe. Due to this, the person may feel discomfort like chest burn, and this condition is known as acid reflux or acidity. Acidity produces symptoms such as stomach ulcers, gastric inflammation, heartburn, and dyspepsia. If the condition persists frequently i.e twice a week it is essential to consult the doctor.

The article gives brief causes, symptoms, and treatments for acidity.

 

Causes

Acidity can be due to numerous reasons or due to a combination of causes like irregular eating patterns, a lack of physical activity, alcohol intake, smoking, stress, fad diets, and bad eating habits. Acidity is more likely to occur in people who eat more non-vegetarian, spicy, and greasy foods.

Some of the common causes of acidity are listed below.

  • Eating more oily and deep-fried meals.
  • Caffeine overuse in the form of tea, coffee, chocolate, etc.
  • High consumption of table salt
  • Eating fiber deficient diet.
  • Eating before engaging in rigorous physical activity.
  • Lying down immediately after having food.
  • Overeating or eating at irregular intervals.
  • Due to improper sleep or lack of sleep.
  • Smoking regularly.
  • Consuming more of alcohol, drinks carbonated beverages and sodas.
  • Too much stress, depression, or fear.

 

Acidity can be a side effect due to the intake of certain medicines. Many medicines, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), might make a person more prone to developing stomach acidity.

 

Symptoms

Acidity symptoms vary from individual to person. Acidity is generally characterized by a deep burning feeling in the chest area. People with acidity frequently experience indigestion and constipation.

Some common symptoms of acidity are:

  • Chestburn or discomfort that originates from the stomach and moves to the chest or abdomen area.
  • A bad or bitter taste in the mouth due to acid in the throat or mouth
  • The feeling of nausea or vomiting
  • Having bad breath
  • Restlessness
  • Complaint of indigestion and constipation

 

A longer duration of acidity may be associated with the following symptoms:

  • Decreased appetite without any reason
  • Feeling difficulty in swallowing food
  • The feeling of continuous burning sensation in the throat
  • Continuous heartburn feeling
  • Having hiccups that don’t stop
  • Passing black stools or blood in vomiting
  • Weight loss due to no reason
  • Upper-abdominal pain that persists.

 

If you are suffering from any of the above symptoms consult your doctor immediately as long time acidity may cause health issues like peptic ulcers, decrease in weight and diet, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

 

Treatment

Your symptoms will be considered by your healthcare professional when determining if you have acidity or whether it is a consequence of another major health issue. This is determined by your health examination and the severity of your acid reflux problem.

The drugs that are used to treat heartburn either stop the excessive generation of stomach acids or help to neutralize them. These medications are divided into three groups based on their mode of action:

  • Antacids:- Antacids work by neutralizing stomach acid and providing relief from acid reflux. Antacids, often known as stomach acid neutralizers, are well-known for providing fast relief. These come in the form of pills and syrups. The common side effects of antacids are constipation and diarrhea. Examples: calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, etc.
  • H2 receptor blockers:- These drugs assist to reduce acidity by blocking certain receptors on stomach cells that produce gastric acids. These are also known to help repair damaged stomach tissues caused by peptic ulcers, gastritis, or stomach inflammation. Abdominal discomfort and diarrhea are two of the most prevalent adverse effects of this family of medications. Examples: Ranitidine, Famotidine, etc.
  • Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) inhibitors:- To treat acidity, they block and limit the generation of stomach acid. Both over-the-counter and prescription medications are available. It’s frequently given to those who haven’t seen any improvement after making dietary and lifestyle modifications, or who have frequent stomach discomfort. Although these drugs have few side effects, they might cause headaches, diarrhea, and upset stomach. Examples: Pantoprazole, Omeprazole etc.

 

In rare cases, if the medicines fail to provide relief from problems, the doctors may prefer to opt for surgery.

 

Home remedies

Simple home treatments can not only relieve acidity symptoms quickly but also cure them altogether. Here are some simple things which can be consumed to naturally control acidity.

  • Cold milk: Cold milk is rich in calcium content that prevents the acid build-up by neutralizing the acids thus giving relief from acidity.
  • Coconut water: The rich fiber content in the coconut helps in giving relief from digestion problems and protects the stomach from excessive acid production.
  • Buttermilk: rich with lactic acid it neutralizes the stomach acid and gives relief from acidity issues.
  • Ginger: Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory and digestive properties. Because both it when consumed raw, or with boiled water helps in reducing acidity.
  • Tulsi leaves and mint leaves both have cooling properties and assist in digestion thereby helping in giving relief during acidity.
  • Yoga like Vajrasana, Shashankasana, and Trikonasana can help in enhancing physical activities and in controlling acidity.

 

Guidelines

Acidity can be controlled through a proper diet plan and a healthy lifestyle. Thus, some guidelines that can be beneficial in controlling acidity are as follows:

 

Things to do

  • Eating Fiber-rich foods, for assisting digestion.
  • To minimize excessive acid output, eat small, frequent meals throughout the day.
  • Oatmeal, ginger, salads, bananas, melons, and fennel should all be part of your everyday diet.
  • Keep yourself hydrated. It is the greatest natural cure for acidity is water. Every day, drink around 7-8 glasses (2-3 liters) of water.
  • Doing daily physical activities like workouts, cycling, walking, running, etc.

 

Things to avoid

  • Refrain from consuming alcoholic and carbonated beverages.
  • Excessive consumption of greasy and spicy meals should be avoided.
  • Caffeinated beverages, such as teas and coffee, should be used in moderation.
  • Don’t eat too much. It places a direct strain on the digestive system, causing the body to secrete too much acid.
  • Try to avoid lying down in the same position on the sofa or bed for long hours.

 

Takeaway

Acidity is a medical disorder caused by excessive acid production. It can cause discomfort and the symptoms may vary from person condition to condition. Home remedies can help in providing relief but still if the condition persists or repeats more than twice a week seek a doctor consultation immediately. Moreover, if you feel the discomfort of chest pain, pain in your arms or shortness of breath seek a doctor advice immediately.

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