Acidity or acid reflux is the back flow of stomach acid to the chest cavity. It is a very common medical condition among people. It is often caused by one or multiple factors. The gastric acid which aids digestion in stomach rises up to the chest cavity or food pipe. This happens when  the lower oesophageal spincher (LES) that regulates the flow of food from oesophagus to stomach doesn’t close or opens too long.

CAUSES

• Hiatal hernia: This is a stomach abnormality that occurs when gastric acid builds up or fills the oesophagus as the lower part of the stomach and lower oesophagus moves above the diaphragm.
• Excess production of acid in the stomach.
• Excess consumption of spicy and oily foods.
• Irregular eating patterns and habits.
• Side effects of medices.
• Consumption of alcohol.
• Being pregnant.
• Snacking just before bed time.
• Lying on the back or bending over at waist just after a heavy meal.

SYMPTOMS

Acid reflux is generally characterised by a  burning sensation in the stomach throat and heart. The person with acidity may face difficulty in swallowing, indigestion, constipation, restlessness and prolonged sour taste in mouth. Nausea and bad breath are other common symptoms of acidity.

DIAGNOSIS

Acidity is usually self diagnosable with its symptoms. If it doesn’t help, a doctor may ask you to undergo,

a) an X-ray of stomach and oesophagus.

b)an endoscopy of gastrointestinal tract

TREATMENT

• Antacids: It helps neutralise the stomach acidity
• H2  receptor blockers/ histamine blocking agents like nizatidine, famotidine, cimetidine.
• Home remedies include consuming mint leaves, ginger, clove cardomom, banana , cucumber etc.
• Drinking a glass of milk every day helps reduce acidity.
• Follow regular eating patterns.