A common digestive disorder that affects millions of people worldwide is acid reflux, sometimes known as acidity. It happens when stomach acid leaks back into the esophagus, making the chest feel scorching and uncomfortable. In this thorough tutorial, we’ll look at acidity’s signs, causes, precipitants, and available remedies. Our skilled medical staff at Al Hilal Hospitals is available to offer expert care and guidance, whether you need acidity relief or are looking for preventive measures.
Understanding Acidity
When stomach acid runs back into the oesophagus, it causes irritation and inflammation, which is known as acidity or acid reflux. A muscle ring called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) divides the stomach from the oesophagus and stops stomach acid from entering the latter. Acidity results from the LES weakening or relaxing abnormally, which permits stomach acid to flow back.
Common Symptoms of Acidity
The following are examples of mild to severe acidity symptoms:
- Heartburn: A chest-burning feeling that frequently occurs after eating or while you are lying down.
- Regurgitation: The sensation that food or acid is returning to the mouth or throat.
- Chest Pain: Pain and discomfort in the chest that may be misdiagnosed as a heart attack.
- Dysphagia: The inability to swallow or the feeling that food is trapped in the throat.
- Sour feeling: An after-burp sour or acidic feeling in the tongue.
- Nausea: Having an upset stomach or feeling nauseous.
Take Charge of Your Health: Arrange a consultation with our skilled medical staff at Al Hilal Hospitals to start on the path to better digestive health.
What Triggers Acidity?
Acidity symptoms can be brought on by or made worse by several factors:
- Overeating: Acidity can result from eating large meals or from lying down right afterward.
- Consuming Foods That Trigger Acid Reflux: Foods that are fatty, spicy, or acidic might cause acid reflux.
- Smoking: Smoking damages the LES and boosts the production of stomach acid.
- Stress: Acidity symptoms can become worse due to stress and anxiety.
Acidity Treatment Options
While mild to moderate acidity is normal and can frequently be controlled by modifying one’s lifestyle, persistent or severe acidity may call for medical attention. Options for treating acidity include:
- Lifestyle Changes: Certain lifestyle adjustments can greatly reduce the symptoms of acidity. To do this, you should keep a healthy weight, stay away from trigger foods, eat smaller, more frequent meals, stop smoking, and elevate your head off the bed while you sleep.
- Antacids: By neutralizing stomach acid, over-the-counter antacids can temporarily relieve the symptoms of acidity. In addition to pills and liquids, they are also available as chewable tablets.
- Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): These medications on prescription lower the amount of stomach acid produced. They work well to relieve chronic acidity in people over the long run.
- H2 Blockers: Another class of drugs that lessen the production of stomach acid is the H2 Blocker. They are accessible both without a prescription and over-the-counter.
Consult Our Experts: For individualized and successful treatment, speak with our knowledgeable medical staff at Al Hilal Hospitals if you are having chronic symptoms of acidity.
Food Items to Avoid in Acidity
Acidity symptoms can be exacerbated or triggered by specific foods and drinks. People who have acid reflux disease should limit or avoid the following foods:
- Spicy and fried foods can aggravate acidity and irritate the stomach lining.
- Citrus Fruits and Juices: Citrus fruits with a high citric acid content might aggravate acidity symptoms.
- Products made from tomatoes: Tomatoes are acidic and can make acidity worse.
- Carbonated Beverages: The carbonation in sodas can exacerbate acid reflux and raise stomach pressure.
- Caffeinated Drinks: Caffeine-containing beverages such as coffee, tea, and some energy drinks can relax the LES and increase acidity.
- Alcohol: Alcohol can weaken the LES and irritate the stomach lining, which increases acidity.
Food Items that Help Reduce Acidity
Certain foods can improve digestion and help reduce the symptoms of acidity. Think about including these foods in your diet:
- Muesli: A calming and non-acidic breakfast alternative.
- Bananas: Potassium-rich bananas assist in balancing gastric acid.
- Ginger: Ginger helps with digestion and is well known for its anti-inflammatory effects.
- Melons: Low-acid fruits that are easy on the stomach include cantaloupe and honeydew.
- Green leafy vegetables: Kale and spinach are examples of vegetables that support a healthy digestive system.
Prevention from Acidity
Adopting good behaviors and avoiding triggers are two ways to prevent acidity. Here are some precautions to take:
- Keep a Healthy Weight: Being overweight puts more strain on the stomach, which can cause acid reflux.
- Eat Fewer Meals More Frequently: Eating fewer, smaller meals more frequently helps lower the risk of acidity.
- Avoid Trigger Foods: Recognize and stay away from foods that aggravate or exacerbate symptoms of acidity.
- Eat Early: To ensure normal digestion, eat dinner at least two to three hours before going to bed.
- Raise the Head of the Bed: To stop acid reflux while you sleep, raise the head of the bed by six to eight inches.
- Manage Stress: To reduce acidity, practice stress-reduction methods like yoga and meditation.
Preventive Care Visit Al Hilal Hospitals to learn more about preventive ways to control acidity and enhance digestive health.
When to See a Doctor for Acidity
Even though mild to moderate acidity is typical and can be controlled with dietary modifications and over-the-counter drugs, you should visit a doctor if you suffer any of the following:
- Persistent or Severe Symptoms: Consult a healthcare provider if acidity symptoms continue despite dietary adjustments or over-the-counter treatments.
- Difficulty Swallowing: Seek medical attention if you have problems swallowing or feel like food is becoming trapped in your throat.
- Frequent Acid Reflux: A medical checkup is advised if you experience acid reflux more than twice per week.
Even though it’s common, acidity can be a bothersome condition that harms your digestive system and general health. At Al Hilal Hospitals, we’re dedicated to offering knowledgeable care and direction to properly manage acidity. Our skilled medical staff is available to help you, whether you require advice on preventive measures or treatment for chronic acidity. By seeking our specialized care at Al Hilal Hospitals, you may take control of your digestive health and live a more comfortable life. Give us a call right away to schedule a consultation.
