14 Best Doctors for Acidity available in Kolkata

The terms acid reflux, or GERD, and heartburn are often used interchangeably, though they have different meanings. Acidity is a medical condition. Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux. Acid reflux occurs when the acid in the stomach rises back into the food pipe. This leads to heartburn, a feeling of discomfort, pain, or burning in the chest.

The symptoms of acidity include a burning sensation in the chest, chest pain, regurgitation of food or sour liquid, difficulty swallowing, and a feeling of a lump in the throat. Other symptoms that may be seen are cramping, nausea, chronic cough, laryngitis, and new or worsening asthma.

Yes, if left untreated for long, acidity may lead to stomach ulcers. The chronic condition of gastroesophagal reflux disease (GERD) may eventually lead to an esophagal ulcer in the food pipe.

The doctor will be able to diagnose acidity based on a detailed shitory taking, the physical examination and the patient's symptoms. Diagnosis of the cause of acidity can be confirmed by using upper endoscopy, esophagal manometry, ambulatory acid (pH) probe test, urea breath test and X-ray of the abdomen.

Acidity occurs when some of the acid content of the stomach rises back into the food pipe. The ring of muscles (the gastroesophageal sphincter) acts as a valve that allows food in one direction i.e. from the food pipe into the stomach but not in the reverse direction. When this valve fails to act, acidity symptoms are felt.