Acidity

The food we eat goes into our stomach through the esophagus. The gastric glands in your stomach create acid, which is necessary to digest the food. When the gastric glands create more acid than needed for the digestion process, you tend to feel a burning sensation below the breastbone. This condition is commonly called acidity.

Acidity, also called acid reflux, is a condition that is characterized by heartburn that is felt around the lower chest area. It is a common condition that occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the food pipe. The most common acid reflux symptom is a burning sensation in the chest and pain. While most people suffer in pain, they do not realize that poor lifestyle choices are the main reason behind acidity.

Symptoms:

Acidity symptoms differ from one person to another. Most things that contribute to gas also lead to acidity meaning, gas and acidity symptoms are almost similar. While the most common acid reflux symptoms are chest pain and burning sensation below the breastbone, there are other symptoms that are uncommon. Acidity symptoms include the following:

  • Burning sensation and pain in the stomach
  • Burning sensation and pain in the throat
  • Difficulty swallowing or the sensation of food being stuck in your throat
  • Frequent burping or hiccups for no apparent reason
  • Burning sensation and pain in the chest
  • Regurgitation: Prolonged sour taste in the mouth or bitter-tasting acid that backs up into your throat and mouth
  • Post-meal heaviness
  • Nausea
  • Constipation
  • Indigestion
  • Bad breath
  • Restlessness

Causes:

Acidity is caused due to excess production of acid in the stomach by the gastric glands. Factors that cause acidity include:

  • Unhealthy eating habits
    • Skipping meals or eating at irregular times
    • Eating just before sleeping
    • Overeating
    • Consumption of spicy food
    • High intake of table salt
    • Diet low in dietary fiber
  • Excessive consumption of certain food
    • Drinks such as tea, coffee, carbonated drinks, soft drinks
    • Extremely spicy food
    • Fat rich food such as pizza, doughnuts, and fried food
  • Side-effects of certain temporary medications as well as existing medications. It includes medications such as
    • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
    • Medicines for high blood pressure
    • Antibiotics
    • Depression and anxiety medications
  • Stomach disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, tumors, peptic ulcers, among others.
  • Other causes include
    • Consumption of non-vegetarian food
    • Excessive stress
    • Lack of sleep
    • Frequent smoking
    • Lack of physical exercise
    • Frequent consumption of alcohol

Risk Factors:

  • Smoking
  • Eating large meals or eating late at night
  • Eating certain foods (triggers) such as fatty or fried foods
  • Drinking certain beverages, such as alcohol or coffee
  • Taking certain medications, such as aspirin

Treatment:
Alsactil Tablet. Alsactil Tablet is a proprietary herbal formulation known to gradually provide relief from hyperacidity, flatulence, gastric ulcer, heartburn, and duodenal ulcer.