What is Acidity?

 

What is Acidity (burning sensation in the stomach)?

Acidity or a burning sensation in the stomach is a common problem, which mainly causes a burning sensation in the chest. Usually, this burning sensation is felt around the lower part of the chest. Acidity of the stomach acid in the food pipe (Esophagus) is the main cause of acidity.

 

In the stomach there is an acid called "hydrochloric acid". This acid breaks food into pieces, and protects against pathogens such as bacteria. The inner lining of the stomach is strong, which is adapted to hydrochloric acid, but the layers of Esophagus are not adapted to this acid, so starts to feel burning .

 

Symptoms of acidity -

 

·       Chest burning - It feels like burning in the esophagus. It gets worse when lie down and bending. It may occur continuously for a few hours, and may increase after a meal.

·       A burning sensation in the chest can also be felt inside the neck or throat. Many times the acidic fluid of stomach returns also to the throat, due to which the taste of the mouth and throat also get worse.

·       Nausea or vomiting.

·       Increased stomach.

·       Throat problems such as the throat or voice to be heavy.

·       Stench of Breath

·       Blood in the stool black stools.

·       Constant hiccups.

·       Difficulty or pain to swallow.

·       Abundance burping and harsh taste of mouth.

 

When should the specialist see?

 

·       If the problem of acidity or stomach burning becomes more serious and frequent.

·       Difficulty swallowing or feeling pain, especially in swallowing solid food or pills etc.

·       If you are losing weight rapidly, the cause is not known.

·       If you have been coughing for a long time, or feel like suffocation in the throat.

·       If you have been taking anti-acid medication for more than 2 weeks, but the acidity problem still persists.

·       If you are feeling chest pain as well as pain in the neck, jaw, legs or arms etc.

·       Along with pain, if you have problems with difficulty breathing, weakness, pulse irregularity or sweating.

·       If you have severe abdominal pain.

·       If you have diarrhea problem, or black colored stool, or blood comes in stool.

 

Causes of stomach acidity -

 

·       Everyone has acidity problem at some time or the other. It is usually associated with food and drink.

·       Acidity during pregnancy, because during this time additional pressure is put on internal organs. Overeating during pregnancy can also result in acidity.

·       Eating too much fried food can also cause stomach problems. Fried food takes longer to digest and lasts longer in the stomach. This is because fat slows down the speed of food passing to the intestines. This causes acid in the stomach and acidity.

 

Avoidance of Acidity -

­­Acidity can be prevented by making changes in few foods and eating habits.

 

·       Eat more fruits and vegetables.

·       Instead of eating once, eat gradually meals several times.

·       Eating around 1 to 2 before sleeping at night.

·       To exercise.

·       Drinking more than 3 liters of water in a day.

·       Do not drink water 30 minutes before meals and 1 hour after meals.

 

Avoiding acidity -

What should not be eaten in acidity?

 

·       Reduce salt intake.

·       Avoid excessive pepper-spicy and oily food.

·       Get adequate sleep.

·       Do not for a long time hungry.

·       Do not take medicines like Painkillers for a long time.

·       Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeine.

·       Do not eat too much food.

·       Do not sleep immediately after eating food.

The information here is taken from various sources. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy, timeliness and genuineness of this information. However, it does not belong to ovihealth.com. We humbly request you to contact your doctor before trying any remedy. Our aim is just to provide you information.