Details Descriptions About :: acidity

Acidity causes symptoms treatment 

Description of Acidity

Definition of AcidityAccording to dictionary definition  Acidity is the state of having excess acid in the stomach. Acid (gastric acid) is produced in the stomach to help in the digestion process, primarily in the breakdown of proteins. The acid in the stomach may increase due to lifestyle issues, some foods, medicines, or stress.According to dictionary definition  Causes and Risk Factors of AcidityAccording to dictionary definition  Eating habits that may cause acidity include:1. Skipping meals or not eating at regular times2. Overeating3. Eating just before sleepingSome foods when consumed in excess can cause acidity. These include:1. Tea and coffee2. Soft drinks and soda3. Spicy foods4. Acidic foods such as lemon and orange5. Foods rich in fat content, especially fried foods and junk foods such as burgers, donuts, and pizzas
Acidity can also occur as a side-effect of some medicines, such as:1. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen and aspirin2. High blood pressure medicines such as nifedipine and verapamil3. Diazepam that is used to treat anxiety4. Iron and potassium supplements5. Tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine or amitriptyline6. Antibiotics such as tetracycline7. Bisphosphonates such as alendronate, ibandronate, and risedronate that are used to cure bone diseases and strengthen the bones.
Other causes of acidity include:1. Smoking2. Consumption of alcohol3. Excessive exercise4. Stress5. Lack of sleep6. Infection by a bacteria called Helicobacter pyloriAccording to dictionary definition  Signs and Symptoms of AcidityAccording to dictionary definition  The symptoms of acidity include:1. Heartburn2. Burning sensation in the chest and stomach3. Bloating or feeling of fullness in the stomach4. Nausea5. Vomiting6. Excessive belching or burping7. Sour taste in mouthSometimes, acidity may also cause pain in the chest or upper abdomen.According to dictionary definition  InvestigationsAccording to dictionary definition  Diagnosis of acidity will include a history of symptoms and tests such as:  1. Esophageal pH monitoring to the amount of acid in the esophagus2. Endoscopy of the esophagus and stomach3. Biopsy of the gastric tissueAccording to dictionary definition  Treatments of AcidityAccording to dictionary definition  Acidity can be treated with medicines such as:1. H2 receptor blockers that lower the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Examples include ranitidine, nizatidine, and cimetidine2. Aluminum and magnesium antacids such as Gelusil and polycrol3. Proton-pump inhibitors that block acid production, examples include omeprazole and esomeprazoleAccording to dictionary definition  Home remedies for acidityAccording to dictionary definition  For immediate relief from acidity, consume the following:1. Eat a whole banana.2. Drink a glass of cold milk or buttermilk.3. Drink coconut water.4. Slowly chew half a spoon of aniseed (saunf).5. Chew a few leaves of holy basil (tulsi) or boil it in water and drink it when cool.6. Boil a few mint (pudina) leaves in water. Cool it and drink when required.7. Chew a small piece of ginger or boil it in water and drink the decoction.
For long-term management of acidity, try the following tips:1. Avoid spicy foods.2. Drink plenty of water.3. Reduce your intake of tea and coffee.4. Eat in small quantities. Follow a regular time for eating.5. Stay away from carbonated drinks.6. Do not smoke or drink.7. Lose weight if overweight or obese.8. Drink aloe vera juice regularly. You can prepare it yourself using aloe vera from your garden or buy those available over-the-counter.9. Soak some aniseed in water overnight. Sip it the next day whenever you have a bout of acidity.    10. Drink herbal tea or cinnamon tea.According to dictionary definition  Yoga for acidityAccording to dictionary definition  1. Halasana (plow pose) works the best for acidity.2. Vajrasana (kneeling pose) aids the digestion process and helps control acidity.3. Kapalabhati Pranayama — do this yogasana slowly. Inhaling and exhaling rapidly can be harmful to people who have acidity or gastric ulcers.4. Ushtra asana (camel pose)5. Vajrasana (kneeling pose)6. Pavanamuktasana (wind relieving pose)According to dictionary definition  Complications and When Should You See a DoctorAccording to dictionary definition  Excess acid in the stomach may damage the lining of the stomach and esophagus (food pipe) causing gastric ulcers or cancers.See a doctor if symptoms of acidity persist or if you have:1. Severe pain in the chest or abdomen2. Excessive vomiting3. Difficulty in swallowingAccording to dictionary definition  Prognosis and PreventionAccording to dictionary definition  Acidity can be controlled easily when it is caused due to lifestyle issues such as irregular or unhealthy eating habits. Follow these tips to prevent acidity:1. Eat healthy food and follow a regular time for eating.2. Maintain a healthy weight.3. Exercise regularly.4. Do not sleep immediately after having a meal.According to dictionary definition  ReferencesAccording to dictionary definition  Richter JE, Friedenberg FK. Gastroesophageal reflux disease. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 44.According to dictionary definition