Acidity or heartburn is a burning sensation arising from the stomach into your throat. Have you experienced this kind of burning sensation? It is also known as acid reflux, acid indigestion, or pyrosis. This is nothing but an increase of acid in the stomach.
The gastric glands of the stomach secrete hydrochloric acid, which is necessary for the digestion of food we eat. This acid also helps in killing any invading pathogens.When there is an excessive amount of hydrochloric acid, then it is called as hyperacidity or acid dyspepsia.
This acid level is generally controlled, but due to some reasons it increases beyond the normal levels and leads to hyperacidity.
It occurs generally after a heavy spicy meal or after lying down immediately after eating.Many times this excess stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus causing heartburn.
When acidity symptoms occur more than twice a week, the condition is known as Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is the most common cause of heartburn. In this condition, there is inflammation of the esophagus.
Beware – Acidity and its symptoms can be confused with some serious chest related problems such as pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, heart attack.Heartburn has nothing to do with the heart.
Common causes of acidity –
Hiatal hernia – is the most common cause of acidity. Normally, the diaphragm keeps this acid in our stomach. But in hiatal hernia, the acid moves up into your esophagus and cause symptoms of acid reflux disease.
Other causes include –
Hyperacidity, by itself, is not a disease. It is actually an effect of certain triggers. These are –
• Excessive intake of chocolate, tea, coffee, carbonated drinks
• Stress, anxiety, and depression
• Hypercalcemia – an increase in calcium level in the body can also lead to hyperacidity. It is associated with conditions such as parathyroid problems, malignant tumors, vitamin D metabolic disorders, and renal failure.
• Wrong eating habits – skipping meals, meals at irregular times, excessive eating, spicy food, low fiber diet, and more salt in food
• Fast food such as pizza, doughnuts, fried food, and non-vegetarian food
• Side-effects of certain medicines such as painkillers (NSAIDs), blood pressure medicines, antibiotics, medicines used for depression and anxiety disorders.
• Pregnancy – During pregnancy, the progesterone hormone causes the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. This can lead to heartburn and acidity.
• GERD, peptic ulcers, tumors, & other stomach disorders
• A sedentary lifestyle with lack of exercise
• Not getting enough sleep
• Addictions like smoking & alcohol
Symptoms of acidity –
The most common symptoms are chest pain and burning sensation in the center of the chest.
• Restlessness with constant pain in the stomach
• Nausea, vomiting
• Burning sensation of chest
• Loss of appetite
• Belching with sour eructation, sour taste in the mouth
• The heaviness of abdomen, abdominal distention, and constipation
• A sensation of bloating of stomach
• Burning pain in the stomach, throat, and chest
• Frequent hiccups
• Indigestion
• Bad breath
GERD symptoms include:
• Constant pain or discomfort in the chest and throat
• Severe pain in the chest or abdomen
• Excessive vomiting
• Chronic discomfort in the upper abdomen
• Bloody or black stool accompanied by bloody vomiting
• Wheezing, dry cough, hoarseness, or chronic sore throat
• Dysphagia – Difficulty in swallowing food or liquids
• Weight loss without any known reason
Complications of acidity –
• If untreated, chronic acidity can lead to esophageal ulcers, esophagitis, esophageal strictures, and Barrett’s esophagus, esophageal cancer
• Dysphagia – Difficulty in swallowing
• Gastric ulcers
• Acid reflux can erode the enamel of teeth causing cavities.
Lifestyle changes for acidity –
• Losing weight if you are obese maintain a healthy weight
• Drink 2-3 liters of water every day
• Chew your food properly
• Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption, oily, spices food, fast food, caffeine and carbonated soft drinks
• Make sure to have fruits and vegetables in your diet
• Avoid late-night TV watching and sleep early at night
• Do exercise and yoga regularly
• Take medicines only when necessary
• Never skip your breakfast. Take more fruits and raw vegetables in your breakfast
• Avoid taking more tea and coffee.
• Eat smaller portions at regular intervals
• Avoid food and medicines that causes acidity
• Spend some time in the sun
• Sleep on your left side
• Do not lie down for half an hour after meals
• Don’t wear tight clothes or tight belts
• Learn stress-relieving techniques
• Increase the height of your bed by at least 6 inches from the side of your head
Diagnosis –
Generally, it is diagnosed on the basis of symptoms.
Some tests can be done to confirm the diagnosis –
• Barium swallow followed by X-ray – for rule out narrowing of the esophagus
• Esophageal manometry – to check the function and movement of the esophagus and lower esophageal sphincter
• pH monitoring for acid in your esophagus
• Endoscopy – is an internal examination done by a camera to check for problems in the esophagus or stomach.
• Biopsy – usually done during endoscopy to rule out any infection or abnormalities
“I believe that human health is a precious thing which may not be compromised at any cost. That’s why I strongly believe in Homeopathy because it is so natural and NO harming side effects at all”.
