Hyper-Acidity
Hyper-acidity is mainly caused when hydrochloric acid, an important component of digestive juices is produced in excess. Acidity is quite a simple problem when it begins, but can get out of hand easily. It might even lead to ulcer formation in the digestive tract.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
occurs when a muscle at the end of the oesophagus does not close properly, allowing irritating stomach contents to leak back into the oesophagus. Symptoms include heartburn and acid indigestion.
The main symptoms of acidity are Heartburn and Dyspepsia.
Heartburn is characterized by a deeply placed, burning pain in the chest behind the sternum (breast-bone). It occurs after meals and is precipitated by increase in intra:abdominal pressure like straining or lifting weights. It is more common at night when a person is lying down. Heartburn is usually relieved when the person sits up. The symptoms of ulcers are mainly pain that can be either localized or diffuse. Sometimes it radiates to the back or to the chest.
Dyspepsia is a burning or an aching pain in the upper abdomen, sometimes described as a stabbing sensation penetrating through the gut. In rare cases there may be no pain, but only a feeling of indigestion, fullness, bloating, flatulence or nausea. When the cause is a duodenal ulcer, having a meal usually relieves the pain. But in the case of a gastric ulcer there may be no change, or the pain may become worse after eating. Peptic ulcer disease can sometimes occur without symptoms. Symptoms may also arise when there is no ulcer present, which is known as non-ulcer dyspepsia.
While a doctor may be able to diagnose a simple case of acidity from the medical history, more detailed investigations may be necessary to detect the presence of ulcers in the stomach and the duodenum.
The doctor will take a detailed history of use of drugs such as NSAIDs, a history of family members with ulcers, alcohol consumption and smoking to determine the causes of acidity.
. ,
An assessment of a persons stress level is also important to reach a diagnosis.
A doctor may request an Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy to detect the presence of ulcers.
If Zolhnger-EUison Syndrome is suspected, blood levels of gastrin may be measured.
Barium Meal studies are useful as these may reveal an inflammation, active ulcer craters, or deformities and scarring due to ulcers. In some cases, a doctor may also request a biopsy of an ulcer, to rule out a cancer.
•The most important part of treatment of acidity, is to identify and avoid the causative factors. Foods that are spicy, salty and acidic should be avoided.
Smoking and alcohol consumption must be stopped.
Avoiding stress and modification of lifestyle may prove
very helpful in treatment of acidity and ulcers,
particularly in those with a nervous and emotional
disposition and people involved in high-stress jobs.
Antacids can provide immediate relief of symptoms by
neutralizing the excess acid secreted.
Early detection of and treatment of ulcers can prevent
complications like perforations. Long term therapy may
be necessary to produce complete healing.
• Surgical methods like Vagotomy are sometimes used to
control acid secretion.
Acidity can be prevented by avoiding the known causative factors like alcohol consumption, spicy foods, drugs like NSAIDs, steroids etc. Regular eating habits and a healthy diet can prevent acidity. People with a highly nervous and emotional disposition and those involved in high-stress jobs could opt for a change in their lifestyle and reduce the stress.
After the meals, take one piece of Clove (Laung) and suck on it slowly. This not only gives instantaneous
relief but also helps in reducing the onslaught of diseases arising out of acidity.
Another good remedy is the usage of Jaggery (Gudh) after the meals. About 5 to 10 grams of a Jaggery piece taken after the meats helps in eliminating acidity, Improves digestion and also helps in the expulsion of worms in small children.
A teaspoon of amla (Indian gooseberry) powder diluted in water is also effective. Too much tea and coffee, garlic, onions and excessive smoking should be avoided. Consuming lots of water can aid digestion and help flush out toxins.
Hyper-acidity is mainly caused when hydrochloric acid, an important component of digestive juices is produced in excess. Acidity is quite a simple problem when it begins, but can get out of hand easily. It might even lead to ulcer formation in the digestive tract.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
occurs when a muscle at the end of the oesophagus does not close properly, allowing irritating stomach contents to leak back into the oesophagus. Symptoms include heartburn and acid indigestion.
SYMPTOMS OF ACIDITY
The main symptoms of acidity are Heartburn and Dyspepsia.
Heartburn is characterized by a deeply placed, burning pain in the chest behind the sternum (breast-bone). It occurs after meals and is precipitated by increase in intra:abdominal pressure like straining or lifting weights. It is more common at night when a person is lying down. Heartburn is usually relieved when the person sits up. The symptoms of ulcers are mainly pain that can be either localized or diffuse. Sometimes it radiates to the back or to the chest.
Dyspepsia is a burning or an aching pain in the upper abdomen, sometimes described as a stabbing sensation penetrating through the gut. In rare cases there may be no pain, but only a feeling of indigestion, fullness, bloating, flatulence or nausea. When the cause is a duodenal ulcer, having a meal usually relieves the pain. But in the case of a gastric ulcer there may be no change, or the pain may become worse after eating. Peptic ulcer disease can sometimes occur without symptoms. Symptoms may also arise when there is no ulcer present, which is known as non-ulcer dyspepsia.
DIAGNOSIS OF ACIDITY
While a doctor may be able to diagnose a simple case of acidity from the medical history, more detailed investigations may be necessary to detect the presence of ulcers in the stomach and the duodenum.
The doctor will take a detailed history of use of drugs such as NSAIDs, a history of family members with ulcers, alcohol consumption and smoking to determine the causes of acidity.
. ,
An assessment of a persons stress level is also important to reach a diagnosis.
A doctor may request an Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy to detect the presence of ulcers.
If Zolhnger-EUison Syndrome is suspected, blood levels of gastrin may be measured.
Barium Meal studies are useful as these may reveal an inflammation, active ulcer craters, or deformities and scarring due to ulcers. In some cases, a doctor may also request a biopsy of an ulcer, to rule out a cancer.
TREATMENT FOR ACIDITY OR ULCER
•The most important part of treatment of acidity, is to identify and avoid the causative factors. Foods that are spicy, salty and acidic should be avoided.
Smoking and alcohol consumption must be stopped.
Avoiding stress and modification of lifestyle may prove
very helpful in treatment of acidity and ulcers,
particularly in those with a nervous and emotional
disposition and people involved in high-stress jobs.
Antacids can provide immediate relief of symptoms by
neutralizing the excess acid secreted.
Early detection of and treatment of ulcers can prevent
complications like perforations. Long term therapy may
be necessary to produce complete healing.
• Surgical methods like Vagotomy are sometimes used to
control acid secretion.
HOW CAN ACIDITY BE PREVENTED?
Acidity can be prevented by avoiding the known causative factors like alcohol consumption, spicy foods, drugs like NSAIDs, steroids etc. Regular eating habits and a healthy diet can prevent acidity. People with a highly nervous and emotional disposition and those involved in high-stress jobs could opt for a change in their lifestyle and reduce the stress.
HOME REMEDY FOR CONTROL ACIDITY
After the meals, take one piece of Clove (Laung) and suck on it slowly. This not only gives instantaneous
relief but also helps in reducing the onslaught of diseases arising out of acidity.
Another good remedy is the usage of Jaggery (Gudh) after the meals. About 5 to 10 grams of a Jaggery piece taken after the meats helps in eliminating acidity, Improves digestion and also helps in the expulsion of worms in small children.
A teaspoon of amla (Indian gooseberry) powder diluted in water is also effective. Too much tea and coffee, garlic, onions and excessive smoking should be avoided. Consuming lots of water can aid digestion and help flush out toxins.
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