Acidity – A condition of having excess acid in the stomach

Acidity or acid reflux is a common condition of having excess acid in the stomach. Acidity is caused by a number of factors, including poor lifestyle, unhealthy eating habits, certain medications, and stress, identified by heartburn in the lower chest or sour caused by stomach acid flowing into the feeding tube.

Do you know what is the cause of acidity?

The risk factors for acidity include :

  • Missing meals or not eating at regular times
  • Having food close to bedtime
  • Being overweight or obese

Some foods can also cause acidity, these may include :

  • Drinking certain liquids, such as alcohol, carbonated drinks, coffee, or tea
  • Junk foods
  • Spicy foods
  • Acidic foods such as lemon and orange etc.

Other causes are;

  • Smoking
  • Consumption of alcohol
  • Stress
  • Excessive exercise
  • Lack of sleep

How to recognize acidity?

  • The symptoms of acidity are;
  • Heartburn; Burning pain or discomfort moving from your abdomen to your stomach, chest, or throat
  • Regurgitation: Sour or bitter-tasting in the mouth or your throat

Other symptoms include;

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Bloating
  • Excessive belching
  • Burping
  • Dysphagia

Sometimes, acidity may also cause pain in the chest or upper abdomen.

Diagnosis

If you have acid reflux symptoms two or more times a week, or the medication doesn’t bring lasting relief, it is necessary to see your doctor immediately. If you have severe symptoms, your doctor may order several tests to confirm the diagnosis and check for other problems. These include;

  • Barium swallow (esophagram)
  • Esophageal manometry
  • pH monitoring
  • Endoscopy
  • Biopsy

Treatment

  • Medicinal treatments
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Eat-in small quantities
  • Follow a regular time for eating
  • Avoid spicy foods and Junk Foods
  • Stay away from carbonated drinks.
  • Quit smoking or drinking
  • Practice Yoga
  • Lose weight if overweight or obese

Excess acid in the stomach may damage the lining of the stomach and food pipe causing gastric ulcers or cancers. So, if you have acidity and you feel it is severe, consult a doctor immediately

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