Gastric acidity: its causes and treatment

Heartburn, also known as acid indigestion, is a common digestive condition characterized by a burning sensation or discomfort in the chest. It occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. This backward flow of acid is often caused by a weakened or relaxed lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is a muscular ring that acts as a valve between the esophagus and the stomach.

Common symptoms of heartburn include:

1. Burning sensation in the chest (often behind the breastbone)
2. Sour or acidic taste in the mouth
3. Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
4. Difficulty swallowing
5. Coughing or wheezing
6. Hoarseness or sore throat

Several factors can contribute to the development of heartburn, including:

1. Certain foods: Spicy, fatty, or acidic foods, as well as chocolate, citrus fruits, onions, tomatoes, and caffeinated beverages, can trigger heartburn in some individuals.
2. Obesity: Excess weight can put pressure on the stomach, causing acid to flow back into the esophagus.
3. Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and pressure from the growing uterus can lead to heartburn during pregnancy.
4. Hiatal hernia: This condition occurs when a portion of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm, allowing acid to move into the esophagus more easily.
5. Certain medications: Some medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), calcium channel blockers, and certain antibiotics, can contribute to heartburn.

To alleviate heartburn symptoms, you can try the following:

1. Lifestyle changes: Avoid trigger foods, maintain a healthy weight, eat smaller meals, and avoid lying down or bending over immediately after eating.
2. Over-the-counter medications: Antacids, which neutralize stomach acid, can provide temporary relief. Histamine-2 blockers (H2 blockers) and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are also available for more persistent symptoms.
3. Home remedies: Drinking a glass of milk, chewing gum, or consuming ginger or chamomile tea may help alleviate mild heartburn symptoms.
4. Elevate the head of your bed: Raising the head of your bed by 6 to 8 inches can help prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus during sleep.

If your heartburn symptoms persist or worsen despite these measures, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Treating stomach acidity

Sure! Stomach acidity, commonly known as acid reflux or gastric reflux, occurs when the stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation and discomfort. If you’re experiencing frequent or severe symptoms, it’s important to understand the various treatment options available. Here’s a detailed explanation of the treatments for stomach acidity:

1. Lifestyle and dietary changes:

• Avoid trigger foods: Certain foods and beverages can exacerbate acid reflux symptoms. These may include spicy foods, fatty or fried foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, caffeine, and

alcohol. It’s recommended to identify and avoid your specific trigger foods.

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals: Consuming smaller meals helps reduce the amount of stomach acid produced during digestion.
• Avoid lying down after meals: Wait at least two to three hours after eating before lying down or going to bed.
• Elevate the head of your bed: Raising the head of your bed by 6 to 8 inches can help prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus during sleep.

2. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications:

• Antacids: These medications work by neutralizing stomach acid and providing immediate relief. They are best suited for occasional and mild symptoms. Examples include Tums, Rolaids, and Maalox.
• Histamine-2 blockers (H2 blockers): H2 blockers reduce the production of stomach acid. They are effective in providing relief for longer durations compared to antacids. Examples include ranitidine (Zantac) and famotidine (Pepcid AC).
• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): PPIs are potent acid-suppressing medications that block the production of stomach acid. They are highly effective in managing frequent or severe symptoms. PPIs are available both over-the-counter (e.g., omeprazole, lansoprazole) and by prescription (e.g., esomeprazole, pantoprazole).

3. Prescription medications:

• If OTC medications don’t provide sufficient relief, your doctor may prescribe stronger medications, such as higher-dose PPIs or a combination of medications.
• Prokinetics: These medications help improve the movement of food through the digestive system, reducing the likelihood of stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus.

4. Surgical interventions:

• In severe cases of acid reflux that does not respond to medications, surgery may be considered. The most common surgical procedure for acid reflux is called fundoplication. It involves wrapping the upper part of the stomach around the lower esophageal sphincter to reinforce its function and prevent acid reflux.

5. Lifestyle modifications:

• Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight can put pressure on the stomach and worsen acid reflux symptoms. Losing weight can help reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms.
• Quit smoking: Smoking weakens the lower esophageal sphincter and increases the risk of acid reflux. Quitting smoking can improve symptoms and promote overall health.
• Manage stress: Stress and anxiety can worsen acid reflux symptoms. Engaging in stress-reducing activities like exercise, meditation, and deep breathing can be beneficial.

It’s important to note that while these treatments can provide relief for most individuals with stomach acidity, chronic or persistent symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. They can assess your condition, provide a diagnosis, and recommend an appropriate treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Risks and complications of gastric acidity

While gastric acidity or acid reflux is a common condition that can usually be managed effectively, it can lead to complications and pose risks if left untreated or poorly controlled. Here are some potential risks and complications associated with gastric acidity:

1. Esophagitis: When stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the esophagus, it can cause inflammation and irritation, leading to a condition called esophagitis. Symptoms may include difficulty swallowing, pain or discomfort in the chest, and bleeding in severe cases.
2. Barrett’s esophagus: In some individuals, chronic acid reflux can cause changes in the lining of the esophagus, leading to a condition called Barrett’s esophagus. This condition increases the risk of developing esophageal cancer over time. Regular monitoring and surveillance by a healthcare professional are important for individuals diagnosed with Barrett’s esophagus.
3. Esophageal strictures: Long-standing acid reflux can cause the esophagus to narrow and develop strictures or scar tissue. This can lead to difficulty swallowing and may require treatment such as stretching the esophagus (dilation) or other interventions to improve swallowing function.
4. Dental problems: The frequent exposure of tooth enamel to stomach acid can contribute to dental issues such as tooth decay, enamel erosion, and gum problems. It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene and inform your dentist about your acid reflux condition.
5. Respiratory complications: In some cases, gastric acidity can trigger respiratory symptoms such as chronic cough, wheezing, asthma exacerbations, and recurrent pneumonia. The acid may irritate the airways and cause inflammation, leading to these respiratory symptoms.
6. Increased risk of gastrointestinal infections: Stomach acid plays a protective role by killing certain bacteria and pathogens. When acid reflux occurs, the protective barrier is compromised, increasing the risk of gastrointestinal infections caused by bacteria like Helicobacter pylori.
7. The strain on the vocal cords: Chronic acid reflux can irritate and damage the vocal cords, leading to voice changes, hoarseness, or chronic laryngitis.
8. Impact on quality of life: Frequent or severe acid reflux can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, causing discomfort, pain, sleep disturbances, and reduced productivity.

It’s important to seek medical attention if you experience persistent or worsening symptoms of gastric acidity. A healthcare professional can provide an accurate diagnosis, assess the severity of your condition, and recommend appropriate treatment options to manage symptoms and prevent complications.