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We often tend to ignore the symptoms of acidity like chest pain, heartburn, constipation, restlessness, etc. However, it is advised to treat these symptoms immediately to avoid other complications.
- Acidity or acid reflux is a common condition that leads to an excess production of acid in the stomach resulting in heartburn and discomfort.
- The acid continuously flows back from the stomach to the esophagus.
- It may be caused due to several reasons like consumption of fatty foods, smoking, stress, poor physical activity, etc.
- If left untreated can cause ulcers in the stomach, inflamed esophagus, cancer, and many other problems.
In this article, we will discuss in depth the symptoms of acidity.
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Symptoms of Acidity
Acid reflux symptoms are often neglected which ultimately results in serious health problems. These symptoms can be reduced by avoiding spicy or oily foods, alcohol, and smoking, and by engaging oneself in physical activities. Listed below are a few symptoms of acidity:
Nausea
A person feels nauseous when the esophageal sphincter does not work properly.
- Acidity causes a person to feel a sour taste in the mouth leading to a feeling of nauseousness.
- Continuous burping and coughing can also lead to a feeling of nausea.
Stomach Ulcers
Sores in the stomach are called stomach ulcers. These are caused when excess acid is secreted in the stomach.
- To protect other internal organs from this acid, the stomach produces a layer of thick mucus.
- When this layer is damaged due to excess acid production this results in sores in the stomach.
Chest pain
When the stomach acid reaches the food pipe a person experiences chest pain or heartburn.
- This burning sensation is usually felt at the lower chest part and slightly above the stomach.
Bad Breath
Stomach acid, along with bile and food components reach the esophagus causing bad breath.
- Antacids can be used to combat bad breath.
Esophagus damage
Due to increases in hydrochloride secretion, there is an increased chance of esophageal damage, esophageal cancer, and ulcers.
- Acidity can cause esophagitis which is an inflammation of the throat lining.
Indigestion
Lack of physical activity and overeating leads to acidity which in turn causes indigestion and stomach ache.
There are several other acidity symptoms which includes:
- Burning sensation in the stomach and throat
- Excessive vomiting
- Constipation
- Restlessness
- Severe pain in the abdomen
- Inflammation
- Sour taste in the mouth
- Regurgitation
- Difficulty in swallowing
Things to Remember
- Acidity reflux is a digestive disorder resulting in excess secretion of gastric juices.
- Symptoms of acidity are most commonly visible among elderly people.
- Halitosis is caused when the stomach juices along with other components reach the esophagus.
- Antacids are used in neutralizing the acid present in the stomach.
- A severe form of acidity is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Sample Questions
Ques. Answer the following questions: (2 marks)
- What is halitosis?
- Is it one of the symptoms of acidity?
Ans. a) Halitosis is a term used for bad breath.
b) Yes, halitosis is one of the symptoms of acidity. Bad breath is not only a symptom of acidity but is also a sign of smoking, mouth infection, cancer, gastroesophageal reflux disease, medicines, etc.
Ques. How can we prevent acidity? (2 marks)
Ans. Acidity can be prevented in the following ways:
- Avoid eating spicy and fatty foods.
- Increase physical activity.
- Improve your sleep cycle.
- Avoid smoking tobacco.
- Reduce the intake of meals.
- Avoid tea, coffee, and carbonated drinks.
Ques. What types of antacids are used in the treatment of acidity? (1 mark)
Ans. Antacids are the medicines used in treating acidity, heartburn, and other gastrointestinal problems.
- The different types of antacids used in the treatment of acidity are calcium carbonate, aluminum hydroxide, magnesium trisilicate, and magnesium carbonate.
Ques. Mention the complications of acidity reflux. (2 marks)
Ans. There are various long-term complications of acidity or acidity reflux:
- Esophagitis
- Barette’s esophagus
- Respiratory problems
- Esophagus cancer
Ques. What exactly is dyspepsia? Is it a condition that is related to acidity? (2 marks)
Ans: Dyspepsia is a medical term used to describe when one feels uneasy, burning sensation in the stomach, flatulence along with nausea.
- Dyspesia is sometimes referred to as indigestion resulting from excess acid or reflux of gastric juice into the esophagus.
- It can however be managed with some antacids such as Maalox; Milanta; and Riopan among others.
Ques. Are acidity and gastroesophageal reflux disease related to each other? (2 marks)
Ans. Yes, acidity and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are somewhat related to each other.
- Acidity is a condition where the acid of the stomach goes back to the esophagus causing symptoms like chest pain and heartburn.
- GERD is a disease in which the acid in the esophagus causes serious problems like cough, asthma, and difficulty in swallowing.
Ques. What are the symptoms of GERD disease? (1 mark)
Ans. The following are the symptoms of GERD disease:
- Pain in upper abdomen and chest (heartburn).
- Difficulty in swallowing.
- Cough.
- Asthma.
- Lump in throat.
Ques. What are the acid reflux treatment methods or ways? (2 marks)
Ans. Mild acid reflux can be easily treated at home by following these steps:
- Eating smaller and lighter meals.
- Have your dinner early.
- Consumption of antacids.
- Reduce pressure on the abdomen.
- Quit alcohol consumption and smoking.
- Include physical activity like walking.
- Lots of water consumption. (coconut water).
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