Acidity: Definition, causes, symptoms and treatment of acidity.

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Acidity


Introduction to Acidity   

Acidity is said to have occurred when a person suffers from heartburn , and also when formation of gas takes place in the stomach. It is a common problem which many suffer from, and occurs mainly due to excess secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. The hydrochloric acid helps in the digestion of food, but when released in excess, it starts affecting the inner lining of the stomach. This causes an acidic stomach. If not treated on time, the person might suffer from severe indigestion, gout, arthritis, and formation of ulcers either in the mouth or on inner walls of the stomach. When acidity takes place, the gastric juices move from the stomach to the lower oesophagus or the food pipe, in turn making it dysfunctional.


Causes of Acidity Consumption of food containing excess fat  Excessive consumption of caffeine 

Excessive consumption of alcohol, and smoking

Staying on empty stomach for a very long time  Pregnancy, obesity, and old age 

Too much of junk food, and following an unhealthy diet


Symptoms of Acidity 

  

During heartburn, the person experiences a burning pain in the chest, just behind the sternum. This occurs mainly during the night while the person is lying down. Ulcer formation is seen in the mouth as well as in the oesophagus tube. Ulcers in the mouth often make it difficult for the person to speak properly. Appetite becomes poor. A severe or minor burning in the upper part of the stomach is experienced. This is called dyspepsia. The person suffering from acidity might also show signs of constipation.


Symptoms Continue… 

Nauseating feeling may also be followed by vomiting.

Mouth tastes bitter.  Respiratory problems are frequent coughing. 

accompanied

Muscular contractions result in pain.  The person also experiences pain inflammation in the chest.

by

as

well

Gastro-oesophageal acid reflux is another outcome.

Earaches

are

minor

as

symptoms.


Preventions of Acidity          

Eat healthy Change your eating pattern Eat slowly Avoid sleeping with a full stomach Stay fit Increase water intake Avoid tea, coffee Limit alcohol intake Quit smoking Change your sleeping posture


Diagnosis of Acidity 

Endoscopy - camera imaging

Biopsy - taking a tissue sample for laboratory analysis

Barium X-ray - imaging the esophagus, stomach, and

upper duodenum after swallowing a chalky liquid that helps provide contrast on images  Esophageal manometry - pressure measurement of the esophagus  Impedance monitoring - measuring rate of fluid movement along the esophagus  pH monitoring - acidity testing


Treatment of Acidity If you experience any of the above symptoms, mainly a burning sensation in the chest, or pain in the upper abdomen, you should visit a gastroenterologist immediately before the matter gets worse. There are several stomach acidity cures available in the market as well as in your home. Let us take a look at the various home remedies, as natural remedies are always better than the drugs and antacids that you get in the market.


Home Treatment of Acidity 

Bananas and pineapple juice are good for getting rid of heartburn and acid indigestion.

Coconut water, yogurt, and cucumbers are also good for treating this condition. Consumption of basil leaves also helps. Taking two teaspoons of honey along with natural cider vinegar, just before meal, helps treating an acidic stomach. Mont juice or oil are some of the best homemade remedies. Jaggery dissolved in a glass of cold milk gives instant relief from acidity. Proper exercises, daily walks, and following a healthy diet

    

are factors which prevent this condition altogether.


Risk Factors of Acidity Conditions that can increase your risk of Acidity include: 

Obesity

Bulging of top of stomach up into the diaphragm (hiatal hernia)  Pregnancy 

Smoking  Dry mouth  Asthma 

Diabetes

Delayed stomach emptying  Connective tissue disorders, such as scleroderma 


Complications of Acidity Narrowing of the esophagus (esophageal stricture)  An open sore in the esophagus (esophageal ulcer)  Precancerous changes to the esophagus (Barrett's esophagus). 


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