Acidity

Overview

Acidity is one of the most common ailments that almost every one of us might have experienced once in our lifetimes. In simple terms, it is a condition that causes excess acid production in the stomach. This not only causes discomfort in the stomach but also leads to other symptoms such as sour taste in the mouth, difficulty in swallowing and indigestion. 

There are numerous causes of acidity right from poor eating habits and excessive stress to use of certain medications. Moreover, lifestyle factors such as smoking and consuming foods loaded with oil, fats, and spices can also up your risk of acidity. 

If you experience acidity once in a while it may not indicate any health issues. However, if you suffer from frequent bouts of acidity, where the symptoms occur at least two or more days per week, there might be some underlying disorder associated with it. It is advised to consult your doctor in such cases.

You can fight acidity with simple lifestyle changes and effective home remedies such as consuming tulsi, mint, fennel etc. In most cases, over-the-counter medications to reduce/neutralise the acid are known to be of great help.

Key Facts

Usually seen in

Usually seen in

Adults above 30 years of age

Gender affected

Both men and women

Body part(s) involved

Esophagus

Stomach

Intestine

Prevalence

Worldwide: 11.9% (2005)

India: 7.6–18.7% (2018)

Mimicking Conditions

GERD 

Peptic ulcer disease

Achalasia

Gastritis

Dyspepsia

Gastroparesis

Treatment

Antacids: Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Trisilicate & Calcium Carbonate

H2 receptor blockers: Famotidine & Ranitidine 

Proton pump inhibitors: Omeprazole, Pantoprazole & Rabeprazole

Prokinetic drugs: Domperidone, Metoclopramide & Levosulpiride

Coating drugs: Sucralfate & Colloidal bismuth (CBS)

Specialists to consult

General Physician 

Gastroenterologist

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Symptoms Of Acidity

The symptoms of acidity occur when some of the acid content of the stomach flows back up into the esophagus or the food pipe which connects the mouth to the stomach. Normally, a ring of muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter(LES), acts as a valve that lets food enter the stomach but does not allow it back up into the esophagus. When this valve fails to function properly, stomach contents are regurgitated into the esophagus and the following symptoms of acidity can be experienced:

1. Heartburn

Despite the name, heartburn has nothing to do with the heart. It is a common symptom of acidity which is caused when the excess stomach acid leaks out of the stomach into the esophagus leading to a burning sensation in the chest.This feeling can last for a few minutes to several hours. 

2. Regurgitation

Some people with acidity may experience regurgitation. It is a feeling in which the person may feel liquid, undigested food, bile or stomach acid moving up and down in the throat. This sensation is somewhat similar to the feeling of being pukish and usually occurs post meals, exercising or bending right after eating.

3. Sour taste in the mouth

Another common symptom of stomach ailments, sour taste in the mouth, is also a symptom of acidity. It happens when food along with stomach acid and bile rise up to the back of your throat causing a bitter taste. This usually happens along with regurgitation.

4. Difficulty in swallowing

Also known as dysphagia, difficulty in swallowing happens when excess acids in the stomach cause a feeling of fullness. It also causes delay in the movement of food through the food pipe and impedes digestion.

5. Sore throat

When the stomach acid moves up to the mouth it can irritate the vocal cords or the voice box leading to sore throat or hoarseness. 

6. Indigestion

Also known as dyspepsia, indigestion can also be a key sign of acidity and other digestive problems. It can lead to a feeling of discomfort and burning sensation in the upper middle part of the stomach. 

Is it angina, heartburn or heart attack? Read the article to know the difference.

Causes Of Acidity

The stomach produces gastric acids that help in the digestion of the food. However, due to some causes, there are times when gastric acids are produced in excess thereby leading to acidity. Factors affecting the function of the lower esophageal sphincter(LES) are also responsible for acid reflux.

Some of the common causes of acidity include:

1. Food and dietary factors

• Eating spicy foods containing excessive amounts of chillies, pepper, vinegar,paprika etc.

• Deep fried and oily foods

• Excessive intake of caffeine in the form of tea, coffee, chocolate etc.

• High intake of table salt

• Diet low in dietary fiber

• Overeating or eating at irregular intervals

• Unhealthy habits like lying down just after eating

• Eating just before strenuous physical exercise

 

2. Lifestyle factors

• Frequent smoking

• Excessive intake of alcohol, soda or carbonated drinks

• Lack of sleep

• Lack of physical activity

 

3. Ailments and medications

• Excessive stress, worry, fear or depression

• Stomach diseases like peptic ulcer, gastro-esophageal reflux disease, stomach cancer etc.

• Medications like painkillers, antibiotics, chemotherapy medications, antidepressants etc.

Risk Factors Of Acidity

The following conditions are related to increased risk of acidity:

• Medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, celiac disease, connective tissue disorders like scleroderma

• Hiatal hernia

• Delayed stomach emptying

• Obesity/overweight

• Pregnancy

• Women who are nearing menopause

Diagnosis Of Acidity

If you experience any symptoms of acidity such as burning pain or discomfort (also called heartburn), regurgitation or bloating or burping (with a sour taste in the mouth), then it is wise to consult a doctor. Your doctor might do some physical examination followed by a few questions related to your daily routine to know the cause of it.

 

If your symptoms are mild, your doctor might not recommend any tests. However, if your symptoms fail to show any improvement post treatment or if you experience symptoms such as internal bleeding or difficulty in swallowing, then your doctor might recommend further investigation. The tests include:

 

Upper GI endoscopy: In this a small flexible tube (known as endoscope) is inserted down the throat to examine the lining of the esophagus, stomach and small intestine.

 

pH Monitoring: This test helps to measure stomach acid by checking how much stomach acid enters through the food pipe and how long it stays in the stomach. 

 

Barium swallow (esophagram): In this, you need to drink a liquid barium mixture and get an X-ray of the chest and upper abdomen done to help identify any physical abnormalities in the stomach or esophagus.

 

Esophageal manometry: It is a test which helps to check the function of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and the muscles of the esophagus. It will tell your doctor if the food you eat is able to move through the esophagus normally or not. 

 

In some cases, ECG (Electrocardiogram) is also recommended if you report severe chest pain or discomfort to check your heart condition. Additionally tests such as biopsy can also be recommended based on your condition and the symptoms.