Acidity

DESCRIPTION

Definition of Acidity

Acidity is the state of having excess acid in the stomach. Acid (gastric acid) is produced in the stomach to help in the digestion process, primarily in the breakdown of proteins. The acid in the stomach may increase due to lifestyle issues, some foods, medicines, or stress.

Causes and Risk Factors of Acidity

Eating habits that may cause acidity include:

1. Skipping meals or not eating at regular times

2. Overeating

3. Eating just before sleeping

Some foods when consumed in excess can cause acidity. These include:

1. Tea and coffee

2. Soft drinks and soda

3. Spicy foods

4. Acidic foods such as lemon and orange

5. Foods rich in fat content, especially fried foods and junk foods such as burgers, donuts, and pizzas

Acidity can also occur as a side-effect of some medicines, such as:

1. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen and aspirin

2. High blood pressure medicines such as nifedipine and verapamil

3. Diazepam that is used to treat anxiety

4. Iron and potassium supplements

5. Tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine or amitriptyline

6. Antibiotics such as tetracycline

7. Bisphosphonates such as alendronate, ibandronate, and risedronate that are used to cure bone diseases and strengthen the bones.

Other causes of acidity include:

1. Smoking

2. Consumption of alcohol

3. Excessive exercise

4. Stress

5. Lack of sleep

6. Infection by a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori

Signs and Symptoms of Acidity

The symptoms of acidity include:

1. Heartburn

2. Burning sensation in the chest and stomach

3. Bloating or feeling of fullness in the stomach

4. Nausea

5. Vomiting

6. Excessive belching or burping

7. Sour taste in mouth

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

Investigations

Diagnosis of acidity will include a history of symptoms and tests such as:

1. Esophageal pH monitoring to the amount of acid in the esophagus

2. Endoscopy of the esophagus and stomach

3. Biopsy of the gastric tissue

Treatments of Acidity

Acidity can be treated with medicines such as:

1. H2 receptor blockers that lower the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Examples include ranitidine, nizatidine, and cimetidine

2. Aluminum and magnesium antacids such as Gelusil and polycrol

3. Proton-pump inhibitors that block acid production, examples include omeprazole and esomeprazole

Home remedies for acidity

For immediate relief from acidity, consume the following:

1. Eat a whole banana.

2. Drink a glass of cold milk or buttermilk.

3. Drink coconut water.

4. Slowly chew half a spoon of aniseed (saunf).

5. Chew a few leaves of holy basil (tulsi) or boil it in water and drink it when cool.

6. Boil a few mint (pudina) leaves in water. Cool it and drink when required.

7. Chew a small piece of ginger or boil it in water and drink the decoction.

For long-term management of acidity, try the following tips:

1. Avoid spicy foods.

2. Drink plenty of water.

3. Reduce your intake of tea and coffee.

4. Eat in small quantities. Follow a regular time for eating.

5. Stay away from carbonated drinks.

6. Do not smoke or drink.

7. Lose weight if overweight or obese.

8. Drink aloe vera juice regularly. You can prepare it yourself using aloe vera from your garden or buy those available over-the-counter.

9. Soak some aniseed in water overnight. Sip it the next day whenever you have a bout of acidity.

10. Drink herbal tea or cinnamon tea.

Yoga for acidity

1. Halasana (plow pose) works the best for acidity.

2. Vajrasana (kneeling pose) aids the digestion process and helps control acidity.

3. Kapalabhati Pranayama -- do this yogasana slowly. Inhaling and exhaling rapidly can be harmful to people who have acidity or gastric ulcers.

4. Ushtra asana (camel pose)

5. Vajrasana (kneeling pose)

6. Pavanamuktasana (wind relieving pose)

Complications and When Should You See a Doctor

Excess acid in the stomach may damage the lining of the stomach and esophagus (food pipe) causing gastric ulcers or cancers.

See a doctor if symptoms of acidity persist or if you have:

1. Severe pain in the chest or abdomen

2. Excessive vomiting

3. Difficulty in swallowing

Prognosis and Prevention

Acidity can be controlled easily when it is caused due to lifestyle issues such as irregular or unhealthy eating habits. Follow these tips to prevent acidity:

1. Eat healthy food and follow a regular time for eating.

2. Maintain a healthy weight.

3. Exercise regularly.

4. Do not sleep immediately after having a meal.

References

Richter JE, Friedenberg FK. Gastroesophageal reflux disease. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 44.

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