Contents
In this article we will look at:
- What is acidity?
- How does acidity occur?
- Who is prone to acidity?
- Causes of acidity
- Symptoms of acidity
- Diagnosis of acidity
- Complications of acidity
- Treatment for acidity
- In The Spotlight- Latest news on acidity
- Home Remedies for Acidity (end of page)
You can click on any of the links above to navigate to the section of your interest.
What is acidity?
Acidity or acid reflux is a very common condition affecting many Indians. This condition is characterized by heartburn felt around the lower chest area, which is caused by the stomach acid flowing back up into the food pipe. Very few people realize the unhealthy eating habits and poor lifestyle choices that cause this condition.
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How does acidity occur?
The food we eat passes down the oesophagus into the stomach. The gastric glands in the stomach create acid which is necessary to digest the food and to kill any germs. Acidity occurs when the gastric glands produce a large amount of acid, more than what is needed for the digestion process. This condition is characterized by a burning sensation just above the stomach, or right below the breastbone (the hollow part).
This condition is very common in India due to the heavy consumption of oily and spicy foods by Indians.
Who is prone to acidity?
People who are prone to acidity include:
- those who overindulge in alcohol
- those who are obese
- those who often consume spicy food
- those who often consume non-vegetarian food
- those who take Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs(NSAIDs)
- women nearing menopause
- women who are pregnant
- people who suffer from medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma, hiatal hernia, peptic ulcers, connective tissue disorders, or Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
What are the causes of acidity?
Acidity can occur:
- due to unhealthy eating habits
- due to certain foods consumed in excess
- as a side effect of medicines
- due to existing medical conditions
- due to other causes such as stress, lack of sleep etc.
Please see the table below for details:
What are the symptoms of acidity? How is acidity diagnosed?
The symptoms of acid reflux include:
- burning sensation in the stomach
- burning sensation in the throat and heart
- difficulty in swallowing
- regurgitation
- restlessness
- belching
- nausea
- prolonged sour taste in the mouth
- bad breath
- indigestion
- constipation
Facing any of the above symptoms? - BOOK APPOINTMENT Now!
Diagnosis
If you suffer from the symptoms of acidity you can consult your family doctor or any general practitioner. Based on your case the doctor may ask you to undergo:
- x-ray of the oesophagus and the stomach
- An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy which enables the doctor to see the lining of the oesophagus and stomach
What are the complications of acidity?
The complications of acidity include:
- severe pain in the chest or abdomen
- excessive vomiting
- difficulty in swallowing
- gastric ulcers
- cancer
What is the treatment for acidity?
Based on your condition, your doctor will prescribe medicines (including antacids) to counter the acidity. If the condition is too severe, he may suggest surgery (Vagotomy) to reduce the production of acid in the stomach.
In The Spotlight
Would you like to consult a doctor for Acidity ?
Patient Experiences
Result Oriented Panchkarma Treatment for Acidity
Aatreya Clinic is neat & clean in all aspects. Waiting room is very much spacious as compared to other clinics and the ambiance is also pleasant.
You certainly get positive vibes from Dr Sagar during communication.
He will share you tiny information about root cause of disease which you hardly know or might be none doctor has shared it to that level and that is the good quality of Dr Sagar.
He will answer all your queries (even silly queries) regarding disease up to your satisfaction.
I was suffering from continuous acidity, indigestion and has problem of obesity so decided to have “Panchkarma” treatment for me.
The treatment which I am getting from Dr. Sagar Dr. Nomina is excellent in terms of personal attention, guidance and is result oriented as well.
They both were taking care like family members do. The staff is co-operative & friendly.
Currently I am feeling much better regarding my health problems so I have decided to have same treatment “Panchkarma” for my wife also for her better health.
As we all know, we must have faith & trust on doctor for best possible results & cure, believe me he is that Doctor which will fulfil your expectations.
We would like to thanks Dr Sagar & Dr. Nomina for our treatment.
I think once you consult with him, I am sure you will get the perfect family doctor...Read Less
Doctor in this story :Dr. Sagar Pampattiwar
Aatreya Ayurvedic Panchakarma & Infertility Clinic
Efficient Diagnosing Process for Acidity
1. Friendly, tech savvy doctor
2. Listens to the problems patiently and responds to the queries
3. Does not panic the patient by giving unnecessary advice and medication.
4. Booking process is simple
5. Had advised colonoscopy and endoscopy for me. Even though my bowel was not prepared properly, took efforts to perform the process **** **********. Sincerely appreciate the efforts.
6. One small suggestion to the patients- please carry hard cash also. The card machine was out of order when we tried to swipe the credit card....Read Less
Doctor in this story :Dr. Aravind Gubbi
Gubbis - Centre For Endoscopy, Colonoscopy And Gastroenterology
Questions answered by trusted doctors
I have acidity problems often...i feel that my stomach is always full...what can be done for this? Solution?
I have bloating problem due to acidity. Could you suggest good medicine. I'm having this problem from longtime
Hi, follow some basic life style changes:Stop tea, coffee, spicy food. Take your timely. Avoid cabbage, capsicum, citrus fruits ( for a while). Don't drink water with food, take after 40 min. as much as you want thereafter. Don't liye down immediately after food. Finish your night meal by 8.30 pm maximum. Always keep your stomach 1/4 th empty. You can divide your meal into 5-6 times a day. Avoid wearing tight pants ( it compress your belly/ stomach). Avoid the particular food, which you observed that after taking you feel bloating, fullness, upper abdominal pain/ discomfort, reflux symptoms etc. Take tab. PANTODAC DSR (1-0-1) half an hour before meal for 7 days.
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Did you know?
Women suffer more
Women suffer from acidity more than men. It could be because women are more prone to anxiety and depression than men.
Body mass index
Body mass index seems to be directly proportional to acidity. Higher BMI is associated with more frequent and more severe heartburn and regurgitation.
Young people are complaining of acidity more
Due to a sedentary lifestyle, high consumption of meat, low consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables are significant risk causes of heartburn among the younger populace.
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Don't take irritants like tea coffee fried spicy citrus in empty stomach.
Eat on time.
Have buttermilk with hing in the afternoon.
Don't have food with preservatives .
Drink jeera water after every meal.