Acidity Symptoms – Causes, Risk Factors, and Home Remedies

Acid reflux or Acidity is a frequently occurring health condition that many Indians experience. Acidity is characterised by heartburn that is felt in the lower chest region due to the stomach acid flowing back up into the oesophagus.

What is Acidity?

Acidity is a medical condition brought on by the overproduction of stomach acid. A pain or burning sensation in the lower chest cavity results due to the stomach acid flowing back into the food pipe in this situation. 

In general, signs of Acidity in the stomach include nausea, stomach soreness, burning feeling, poor breath, etc. 

Doctors and nutritionists claim that unhealthy eating practices and poor diet may be the main causes of Acidity. The symptoms of Acidity might occur in those who lead unhealthy lifestyles and consume junk food.

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Acidity Symptoms

Heartburn

• One of the symptoms of hyper-Acidity is heartburn, which results in a burning sensation in the chest in a person with high stomach acid. Heartburn frequently causes severe harm to health.

Nausea 

• Most persons who have stomach Acidity experience nausea. Individuals who have nausea typically feel queasy and have a vomiting sensation.

Constipation 

• A common Acidity symptom is constipation, which makes it tough for the acidic individual to eliminate waste.

Indigestion 

• The most well-known sign of stomach Acidity is indigestion. It results when food particles are only partially or never digested.

Bad Breath 

• One of the most typical signs of Acidity is foul breath, which occurs in people with excessive levels of acid reflux in their bodies.

Restlessness 

• Restlessness occurs in people with Acidity. A person with acid reflux may have unsettling feelings and trouble sleeping in this situation.

Burning Sensation and Pain in the Stomach 

• Hyper-Acidity can cause significant pain in the chest and stomach due to the high production of unnecessary hydrochloric acid. 

Burning Sensation and Pain in the Throat 

• Inflammation and discomfort can result from stomach acid moving back into the throat. The result is usually a burning sensation in the throat. Additionally, it could make swallowing difficult or painful.

Complications of Acidity

• When left untreated, Acidity could become more severe and lead to complications. 

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) 

• A person experiencing acid reflux or Acidity symptoms more than three times per week or for several weeks is likely to have GERD. GERD requires appropriate medical care, or it could worsen existing health issues.

Gastric Ulcers 

• Gastric ulcers develop when too much acid damages the lining of the stomach or duodenum. If the ulcers do not heal with treatment, surgery may be necessary.

Oesophageal Strictures 

• The lining of the oesophagus can become damaged over time by the stomach’s acid reflux, which can result in strictures. 
• These are referred to as peptic strictures, and they may or may not be malignant. The block due to stricture makes the food not enter the stomach.

Oesophageal Cancers 

• Squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma are the two cancers that can develop in the oesophagus as an Acidity complication.

Duodenitis 

• Inflammation of the first segment of the small intestine is known as duodenitis.

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Acidity symptoms in pregnancy

Acidity and heartburn are very common experiences for many pregnant women, primarily for two reasons. First, hormonal shifts occur, including an increase in the hormone progesterone. This causes the valve that acts as a barrier between the stomach and the esophagus to relax. When this valve is loose, stomach acid can flow back up. Secondly, as the pregnancy advances, the physical pressure of the growing uterus pushes upward on the stomach, which can make this reflux worse.

Pregnant women should always consult their healthcare provider before beginning any new remedy. Often, simple lifestyle changes can bring meaningful relief — such as eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding oily or spicy foods, and sleeping with extra pillows to keep the head and shoulders elevated.

Acidity symptoms in children

Children can also frequently experience acidity. Typical triggers can include eating large portions, consuming rich or sugary foods such as fried items or chocolate, or experiencing stress. Children often experience mild stomach discomfort from time to time, and most of the time it's nothing to worry about. However, if your child frequently mentions a burning sensation in the chest, complains of stomach pain after meals, or describes a sour taste in their mouth, these could be signs of something more than just a passing ache.

How Acidity Occurs?

Your Stomach: A Master of Digestion

The stomach secreates a powerful acid named, hydroichloric acid. The things you eat will be digested by this acid. It also wakes up a special helper called pepsin, whose main job is to chop up the proteins in your food into smaller pieces. Of course, your stomach has a brilliant built-in defense against its own corrosive secretions: a robust mucosal lining. This protective layer acts as a shield, ensuring the stomach tissue remains safe. When this balance is disrupted, it can lead to the common symptoms of acidity in the stomach, such as a burning pain or discomfort.

The Faulty Gatekeeper

The crucial barrier separating your acidic stomach from your delicate esophagus is a muscle called the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES). Think of it as a one-way valve. It’s designed to open briefly to let food pass into the stomach and then snap shut. The vast majority of acid reflux symptoms and other Acidity symptoms occur when this gatekeeper weakens or relaxes at the wrong times. This malfunction allows stomach acid to escape upward, irritating the unprotected lining of the esophagus and causing that classic burn.

Unmasking the Common Triggers

While spicy food often takes the blame, many other factors can trigger this problem. Understanding these can be the first step toward finding effective acidity treatment.

• What You Eat and Drink: Certain items directly loosen the LES or slow down digestion. Key culprits include chocolate, coffee, fatty or fried foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, and even peppermint or raw onions.
• How You Live: High stress levels can signal your stomach to produce more acid, while lack of sleep disrupts your body's natural rhythms. Lying down or engaging in intense exercise right after a heavy meal can also put pressure on the stomach, forcing acid past the weak valve.
• Underlying Conditions: A hiatal hernia, where part of the stomach bulges into the chest, can impair the LES's function. Pregnancy often leads to high acidity symptoms due to both hormones and physical pressure. For some, a condition like gastroparesis, where the stomach empties too slowly, means acid and food linger longer, increasing the risk of reflux and more heavy acidity symptoms.
• Recognizing these underlying causes and the full range of hyper acidity symptoms is essential. If you're struggling with persistent discomfort, consulting a doctor can help you move toward a personalized and effective acidity treatment plan for lasting relief.

Risk Factors of Acidity

The risk of Acidity increases in individuals who

• Frequently eat spicy food. 
• Drink excessive amounts of alcohol
• Are obese
• Frequently eat non-vegetarian meals.
• Use Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
• Are approaching menopause 
• Are expecting a child
• Have diseases like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, Diabetes, Asthma, Hiatal hernia, Peptic ulcers and connective tissue disorders.

Diagnosis of Acidity

Upper GI Endoscopy and Biopsy 

Upper GI endoscopy helps examine the upper Gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This includes the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. 

The test is also referred to as esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). It involves the use of an endoscope. There is a tiny camera at one end of this long, thin, flexible tube. The test aids in detecting tissues, including growths, infections or ulcers. 

It can check for esophagitis, gastritis and Acidity. Biopsy (tissue sample) from the test subject may be obtained and examined for health issues.

Radiological Imaging 

MRI helps detect acidic reflux, and x-rays are helpful in visualising problems in the Upper GI tract. 

Oesophageal Manometry 

Oesophageal manometry is a technique used to assess the efficiency of the oesophageal muscles.

An individual may suffer from symptoms like heartburn, difficulty swallowing, pain during swallowing, chest pain and regurgitation when the muscles don’t function as they should. This results in the food coming back up after swallowing.

Oesophageal pH Monitoring 

Oesophageal pH monitoring is a test that quantifies how frequently and for how long stomach acid enters the oesophagus.

Is It Just Acidity, Or Something More?

We all know that uncomfortable, burning feeling in the chest after a big or spicy meal. Most of us call it 'acidity' or 'heartburn' and wait for it to pass. But if this happens a lot, it's important to figure out what's really going on. Stomach acid issues can range from a once-in-a-while bother to a constant problem that needs a doctor's help.

The Once-in-a-While Burn: Simple Acidity

This can be considered the stomach's way of grumbling after a troublesome meal. When consuming foods that are difficult to process, the stomach may respond by producing an excess of acid. The outcome is that familiar sensation of heartburn or a sharp, sour taste in the mouth.

As a temporary issue, it typically resolves without intervention or with minimal aid from a simple remedy. It is essentially the body's natural response to indicate that a dietary item was overly demanding.

The Frequent Fire: GERD (Chronic Acid Reflux)

If that burning feeling shows up more than twice a week, it's probably not just simple acidity anymore. It's a chronic condition called GERD.

Imagine the little valve that keeps stomach acid in your stomach isn't working right. It's like a gate that's stuck open, letting acid splash up frequently. This constant acid can be more painful and damaging over time. When heartburn becomes a regular, unwelcome guest, it's time to see a doctor for a treatment plan that works long-term.

The Sneaky Reflux: LPR ("Silent Reflux")

Now, here's the tricky one. What if you have reflux but no heartburn? That's called "Silent Reflux" (or LPR). With this, the stomach acid creeps all the way up into your throat and voice box without you feeling the classic burn.

Because your throat is much more sensitive than your esophagus, the symptoms are totally different and often seem unrelated to your stomach. Watch out for:

• A hoarse voice or a constant sore throat.
• Feeling like there's a lump in your throat.
• Needing to clear your throat all the time.
• A nagging, dry cough.
   

People with silent reflux often don't realize their throat problems are caused by stomach acid, so they might see a doctor for the wrong reason. If you have these symptoms, an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist can help.

Knowing the difference is key. If your symptoms are frequent or you have those "silent" signs, the best move is to talk to a doctor and get the right help.

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Acidity Treatments

Antacids 

Antacids are medications that neutralise stomach acid. They are widely used in situations when neutralising stomach acid is essential. Heartburn is an example of acid reflux. Antacids help reduce the symptoms of Acidity or acid reflux.

Antacid usage is not known to cause any side effects. Antacids include magnesium carbonate, magnesium trisilicate and aluminium hydroxide. These are available in the form of tablets and liquids under various brand names. 

Alginates are a class of medicines that are present in some forms of antacid medications. Alginates are added to help soothe the oesophageal lining from the effects of stomach acid. Alginates include things like alginate salts and alginic acid.

H2 Blockers 

H2 receptor blockers work by lowering the amount of stomach acid secreted by glands in the stomach’s lining, which lessens heartburn sensations. 

The H2 blocker class of medications includes ranitidine, cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid), and nizatidine (Axid) (Zantac). The drugs that have the least negative interactions are famotidine and nizatidine.

Proton Pump Inhibitors 

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI) lessen the amount of acid the stomach produces. Acid reflux is frequently treated with these. The strongest type of medication now available for managing stomach acid is proton-pump inhibitors. 

The following PPIs are available even without prescription and help treat Acidity.

• Omeprazole (Prilosec) 
• Esomeprazole (Nexium) 
• Lansoprazole (Prevacid) 

Another over-the-counter medication is Zegerid (omeprazole with sodium bicarbonate. Rabeprazole and Pantoprazole are also proton pump inhibitors.

PPIs are ingested orally. They come in tablet or pill form. These medications are frequently given 30 minutes prior to the morning meal.

Maintain a Healthy Weight 

Excess weight is linked to Acid reflux. Therefore, losing or maintaining body weight helps treat Acidity.

Avoid Tight-Fitting Clothing 

Tight-fitting clothes put pressure on the stomach, known as intragastric or intra-abdominal pressure. This, in turn, triggers Acidity or acid reflux, causing stomach acid to flow back into the lower oesophagus. Avoiding tight clothes and jeans will help treat and prevent Acidity.

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Avoid Lying Down After a Meal

Lying down immediately post-meal makes the stomach acid reflux into the oesophagus. Refraining from lying down after a meal, especially a heavy meal, will prevent Acidity.

Avoid Late Meals 

Late meals, particularly at night, can trigger Acidity. It is therefore advisable to avoid having late meals.

Elevate the Head of Your Bed 

Since sleeping upright makes the oesophagus stay above the stomach and makes it more difficult for stomach acid to escape, elevating the head is necessary. This helps lessen acid reflux.

Avoid Smoking and Alcohol

Smoking increases stomach acid production, which raises the possibility of gastric juices getting refluxed into the oesophagus. 

Alcohol may increase stomach acid production. Additionally, it may increase the tissue’s sensitivity to acid, resulting in heartburn and Acidity.

Avoiding alcohol and refraining from smoking can help lessen the effects of Acidity.

Avoid Large Meals 

Overeating increases the acid production in the stomach to boost digestion. It may also cause acid to flow back into the oesophagus, resulting in Acidity. One of the simplest methods to reduce the risk of acid reflux is to avoid eating large meals.

Acidity Home Remedies

Cold Milk 

• High calcium content in milk prevents acid buildup by absorbing extra acid produced. Additionally, if the milk is cold, it certainly does offer immediate relief from the burning sensation experienced during reflux. Do not include sugar.

Coconut Water 

• Electrolytes found in coconut water help maintain pH equilibrium and reduce acid reflux. This is plant-based milk. 
• Drink a glass of coconut water 30 minutes after the meal to reduce Acidity. Along with a wholesome diet, daily use of coconut water for two to three months can provide long-lasting relief from Acidity.

Black Cumin Seeds 

• Cumin seeds are an excellent acid neutraliser, promote digestion and ease gastrointestinal discomfort. Sometimes, chewing on a handful of black cumin seeds can be really effective.

Fennel or Saunf 

• Fennel is the main component of many mouth-freshening products since it aids in cooling down the stomach. Fennel offers several gastrointestinal advantages. Consuming some fennel seeds after each meal is beneficial. 
• One can also drink fennel tea once every few days because it helps with indigestion and bloating and maintains the health of the digestive system.

Lukewarm Water 

• The best way to remove toxins from the body is with a warm glass of water. Also, it stimulates digestion and aids in food breakdown, making the digestion process easier. 
• Keep drinking warm water for considerable relief while experiencing stomach-related concerns, including Acidity.

Cardamom 

• Cardamom is regarded in Ayurvedic traditions as one food that balances the three doshas—Kapha, pitta and Vata. 
• It is well known for promoting digestion and calming stomach cramps. It calms the mucous membrane of the stomach, assisting it in protecting itself from the effects of too much stomach acid production. 
• Crush two cardamom pods (with or without the peel), boil the powder in water and then sip the cooled juice to ease Acidity.

Watermelon Juice 

• Due to its high water content, watermelon juice aids digestion and keeps the body hydrated. Additionally, it aids in reducing Acidity by neutralising the stomach’s acid.

Buttermilk 

• A glass of cold buttermilk is one of the nicest drinks to have in hot, humid weather. According to Ayurveda, buttermilk, or chaas, is a sattvic food valued for its nutrients and calming effects on the stomach. 
• Lactic acid in buttermilk balances the stomach’s Acidity. One can also try adding some freshly chopped coriander leaves, a dash of black pepper, a pinch of salt and a pinch of asafoetida to buttermilk.

Ginger 

• Add two tablespoons of honey, one tablespoon of lemon juice, and one tablespoon of ginger. In a glass of lukewarm water, mix them all together. This anti-inflammatory drink may help lessen Acidity’s symptoms and ease the pain caused.
• Though ginger helps relieve Acidity symptoms, studies aren’t sufficient to prove that ginger is beneficial for Acidity. 

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Cloves 

• The carminative effects of clove enhance peristalsis. When a clove is bit, its strong flavour causes a lot of saliva to be secreted, which helps with digestion and combats Acidity.

Banana 

• Bananas, which have high fibre content and are a good source of potassium, assist in regulating the stomach’s Acidity. A ripe banana is especially beneficial since it typically has higher potassium.

Papaya 

• The papain enzyme found in papayas aids in better digestion and lessens heartburn. It aids digestion and maintains bodily hydration due to its high water content. It lessens reflux by neutralising the stomach’s acid.

Ajwain 

• Thymol is an active component of ajwain that helps reduce Acidity and enhances digestion. This component encourages the stomach to secrete gastric juices and aids in keeping the stomach’s pH levels within the usual range.

Turmeric 

• Using turmeric may help prevent the damage of oesophagal mucosal cells by stomach acid. Curcumin in turmeric also plays a significant role in alleviating Acidity symptoms.

Jaggery 

• Jaggery’s high potassium content promotes the secretion of mucus in the stomach, reducing the formation of excess acid. One of the finest remedies for Acidity is jaggery since it contains a lot of magnesium, which strengthens the intestinal wall.

Conclusion

Acidity is a condition in which the gastric glands in the stomach secrete too much acid, which is usually triggered by eating spicy food.

While Acidity symptoms can happen anytime, 70% to 75% of persons with Acidity issues claim to experience nighttime heartburn.

Eating dinner 3 hours before going to bed, Elevating the head of the bed, choosing healthy snacks, refraining from smoking, quitting alcohol, smoking, and regular exercise can help treat Acidity. Over-the-counter medications are preferred for quick relief.