Acidity: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention & Home Remedies
 |
| All You Need To Study About Acidity |
Acidity/Hyperacidity
Hyperacidity is an ailment wherein your stomach secretes a lot of acids, mainly hydrochloric acid. Hydrochloric acid is involved in the breakdown of proteins in the stomach by converting the inactive enzyme pepsinogen into the active enzyme pepsin. Hydrochloric acid is also involved in the digestion of other foods and fights and kills the bacteria that enter the stomach.
In hyperacidity, your stomach increases the secretion of hydrochloric acid. The excess hydrochloric acid leads to hyperactivity. Hyperacidity is one of the most common problems. This condition is manifested by heartburn felt around the lower chest region, which is brought about by the stomach acid flowing back up into the food pipe.
Hyperacidity is also called Acid Dyspepsia. The PH of gastric acid is 1.5-3.5 and daily gastric acid secretion is about 1.5L.
Smoking, liquor utilization, and significant degrees of stress/uneasiness may trigger hyperacidity. On the off chance that you routinely drink espresso, ensure you don't drink it on an empty stomach. The individuals who like to routinely consolidate smoking with drinking liquor/espresso may likewise foster hyperacidity.
Causes Of Acidity
Hyperacidity is caused by several different factors such as unhealthy eating habits and certain foods consumed in excess. It can also be developed as a side effect of medicines and due to certain existing medical conditions. Some factors such as stress and lack of sleep can also cause or aggravate hyperacidity.
Your stomach comprises acid (HCL-Hydrochloric Acid), the PH of acid in your stomach is 4. This implies, there is a great deal of acidic climate inside and this is additionally significant for us since whatever germ comes into our stomach through the food that we burn-through, they kick the bucket in the acidic climate, so this causticity is significant. However, now and again, this acidic nature turns out to be more than the necessary level, and that aridity begins to hurt.
Certain drugs are involved in causing hyperacidity such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antihypertensive medications, antibiotics, antidepressants, anxiolytics, and bisphosphonates.
Hyperacidity also occurs if you consume certain foods in excessive amounts such as tea, coffee, soft drinks, soda, spicy foods, alcoholic drinks, carbonated beverages, lemon, and orange. Foods enriched in fat content like junk foods, burgers, pizza, donuts can also cause hyperacidity.
You are also at higher risk for developing hyperacidity if you have a history of certain medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma, hiatal hernia, connective tissue disorder, peptic ulcer disease, and Zollinger Ellison Syndrome.
The risk of hyperacidity also increases if you have unhealthy eating habits. For example, overeating, eating just before going to sleep and bathing, skipping meals, and not eating at regular intervals of time.
Cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, rigorous exercise, extreme stress, and insomnia can also cause the development of hyperacidity. Helicobacter pylori can also cause hyperacidity.
Symptoms Of Acidity
The symptoms of hyperacidity may vary in severity from person to person. These symptoms are most prominent a couple of hours after having a meal. The most commonly reported symptoms of hyperacidity are chest or heartburn, nausea, vomiting, sour belching, flatulence, abdominal distension, flatulence, poor appetite, tiredness, atonic dyspepsia (stiffness in the stomach), indigestion, and constipation.
You may also have a prolonged sour taste in the mouth or bitter-tasting acid, a feeling of restlessness, or throat irritation.
Diagnosis Of Acidity
Diagnostic tests can help in understanding the degree of acidity and help in choosing the course of the treatment. Commonly used diagnostic tests for hyperacidity include:
Barium
A solution containing barium is gulped and the development is followed by utilizing an X-beam.
Endoscopy
A long adaptable cylinder that has a light and a camera is embedded down the throat. The camera shows the throat and the stomach, their substance, and the mucus covering.
Biopsy
A small sample of the stomach tissue might be taken for examination and biopsy. The sample is generally taken during endoscopy.
Treatment Of Acidity
Pharmacological Treatment
Proton pump inhibitors are the mainstay of treatment in hyperacidity. They act by preventing the excessive production of acids. Commonly prescribed proton pump inhibitors are omeprazole and esomeprazole.
Antacids are also prescribed for the treatment of hyperacidity. They neutralize the acid in the stomach. They are recommended to take after having a meal. Its overuse may cause diarrhea or constipation. Commonly prescribed antacids are aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide.
Other medications prescribed for the treatment of hyperacidity are H2 blockers. They decrease the production of excess acid in the stomach. They are usually taken before having a meal. Commonly used H2 blockers are ranitidine and famotidine.
Preventive Measures Used For Acidity
You must avoid long gaps between the suppers and drink plenty of water. Spicy, sleek, and singed food must be avoided if you have hyperacidity. You must exercise regularly to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Always add green foods and salads in your daily routines and diet and take15 minutes before dinners. Always drink a glass of warm water after each meal.
Hyperacidity can be prevented by changing certain food items, patterns, and eating habits. Eating more fruits and vegetables that are not very acidic and eating small-sized meals at regular intervals. You must eat your dinner at least 1 – 2 hours before going to sleep. You should drink at least 3 liters of water a day. You must avoid drinking water for up to 30 minutes before a meal and one hour after a meal. You must quit smoking and alcohol consumption. You must maintain a proper sleeping pattern.
Effective Home Remedies For Acidity
Unripe Mango
Eating a couple of little delicate mangoes in which the seed isn't as expected framed with salt and honey nectar is exceptionally compelling in processing or digestion.
Honey
One spoon of new nectar honey blended in with the juice of the half lemon in a glass of warm water and taken as the first thing in the morning isn't just a viable solution for constipation yet for hyperacidity too.
Milk
Milk is successful in instances of hyperacidity as it contains an abundance of soluble/alkaline-forming components, which quickly relieves all acid conditions of your digestive system.
Ginger
The powerful calming impact of ginger decreases the flow back of stomach acid into the throat, further develops bodily fluid production, and functions as a stomach digestive aid. Have a cup of ginger tea before long suppers to get relief from hyperacidity.
Mint Leaves
Mint leaves are a characteristic coolant and have noteworthy carminative properties to mollify the corrosive emissions in the stomach. It is known to mitigate stomach cramps, flatulence, and hyperacidity. Sip on some mint tea to calm the aggravated belly and diminish excessive acid discharges.