Adult Asian man suffering painful stomach ache
Acidity, also known as acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. Here’s an overview of its symptoms, causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as dietary recommendations:
Symptoms:
- Heartburn: A burning sensation in the chest or throat.
- Regurgitation: Acid or food coming back up into the mouth.
- Chest Pain: Discomfort or pain in the chest.
- Difficulty Swallowing: Feeling of food getting stuck in the throat.
- Sour Taste: Persistent sour or bitter taste in the mouth.
- Coughing or Sore Throat: Especially after lying down or eating.
Causes:
- Excessive Acid Production: Overproduction of stomach acid.
- Weak Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES): Muscle at the base of the esophagus becomes weak or relaxed.
- Hiatal Hernia: Part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm.
- Certain Foods: Spicy, fatty, or acidic foods can trigger acidity.
- Obesity: Increased abdominal pressure.
- Smoking and Alcohol: Both can exacerbate acidity.
Prevention:
- Avoid Trigger Foods: Limit spicy, fatty, and acidic foods.
- Eat Smaller Meals: Consume smaller, more frequent meals.
- Stay Upright After Eating: Avoid lying down immediately after meals.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Manage body weight to reduce pressure on the stomach.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking can weaken the LES.
- Limit Alcohol: Alcohol can relax the LES and increase acid production.
Diagnosis:
- Medical History: Evaluation of symptoms and lifestyle.
- Endoscopy: Examining the esophagus and stomach with a camera.
- pH Monitoring: Measuring the amount of acid in the esophagus.
- Barium Swallow X-ray: Imaging of the esophagus and stomach.
Treatment:
- Lifestyle Changes: Adopting preventive measures.
- Medications:
- Antacids: Neutralize stomach acid.
- H2-Receptor Antagonists: Reduce acid production.
- Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Decrease stomach acid more effectively.
- Surgery: In severe cases, procedures like fundoplication may be considered to strengthen the LES.
What to Eat if You Have Acidity:
- Non-Citrus Fruits: Apples, bananas, pears.
- Vegetables: Broccoli, spinach, and other non-acidic vegetables.
- Whole Grains: Oatmeal, whole wheat bread, brown rice.
- Lean Proteins: Chicken, turkey, and fish.
- Low-Fat Dairy: Low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese.
- Ginger: Has natural anti-inflammatory properties.
- Herbal Teas: Chamomile or ginger tea can soothe the stomach.
Avoiding trigger foods and following a balanced diet can help manage acidity effectively. For persistent symptoms, consult a healthcare provider for appropriate treatment and management strategies.
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