Dr.Anand Patel

Understanding Acidity: Types, Causes, and Symptoms

Do you feel a burning sensation in your throat and stomach after eating certain foods? Do you often feel nauseous, bloated, and overly full? It might be suffering from acidity. This is a common condition most people experience at least once due to excess acid production in the stomach. This not only causes discomfort in the stomach but also leads to other symptoms like a sour taste in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, and indigestion. If you are experiencing these symptoms frequently, it may be time to consult a Gastro Surgeon in Ahmedabad. Various factors, such as poor eating habits, excess stress, and certain medications, can cause acidity.

Lifestyle choices like smoking and consuming oily, fatty, and spicy foods can also increase the risk. If you experience acidity occasionally, it may not indicate any health issues. However, if you experience it frequently, at least two or more days a week, may indicate an underlying health issue. In such cases, it is best to consult the best Gastro Surgeon in Ahmedabad.

Types Of Acidity:

According to a gastro surgeon in Ahmedabad, acidity mainly refers to conditions involving gastric acid levels and their impact on health. Here are the main types of acidity. Let’s take a look in-depth:

  • Gastric Hyperacidity:

This type of acidity involves excessive production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which can cause symptoms like heartburn, acid reflux, and discomfort.

  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD):

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, irritating. It commonly leads to symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, and chest pain.

  • Peptic Ulcers:

Peptic ulcers are sores that develop on the lining of the stomach, small intestine, or esophagus due to the corrosive effects of gastric acid. They can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and, in some cases, bleeding.

  • Non-ulcer Dyspepsia:

Non-ulcer dyspepsia, also known as functional dyspepsia, involves recurring pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen without evidence of peptic ulcers or other clear causes. It may be linked to abnormal gastric motility or heightened sensitivity to stomach acid.

  • Reflux Esophagitis:

This is inflammation of the esophagus caused by repeated exposure to stomach acid due to GERD. It can result in erosions or ulcers in the lining of the esophagus.

  • Acid Peptic Disorders:

This term encompasses a range of conditions involving acid-related damage to the gastrointestinal tract, including peptic ulcers and GERD.

Understanding these different types of acidity helps a gastro doctor in Ahmedabad to diagnose and treat conditions effectively. Treatment often involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and, in some cases, surgical interventions tailored to the severity and specific diagnosis of the condition.

Symptoms Of Acidity – Best Gastro Surgeon in Ahmedabad:

Recognizing the symptoms of acidity is crucial for timely treatment. Here are common symptoms as guided by gastro surgeon in Ahmedabad:

  • Heartburn:

Despite its name, heartburn has nothing to do with the heart. It’s a common sign of acidity, occurring when excess stomach acid bleeds into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest. This discomfort can last from a few minutes to several hours.

  • Regurgitation:

Some people with acidity may experience regurgitation. This is a sensation where undigested food, bile, or stomach acid moves up and down in the throat. It feels similar to vomit and usually happens after meals, during exercise, or when bending over right after eating.

  • Sour Taste In The Mouth:

Another common symptom of stomach issues is a sour taste in the mouth, often linked to acidity. This occurs when food, stomach acid, and bile rise to the back of your throat, causing a bitter taste. It usually happens along with regurgitation.

  • Difficulty In Swallowing:

Difficulty in swallowing, known as dysphagia, can occur when excess stomach acid creates a feeling of fullness. This condition also slows down food movement through the esophagus, delaying digestion.

  • Sore Throat:

When stomach acid moves up to the mouth, it can irritate the vocal cords or voice box, leading to a sore throat or hoarseness.

  • Indigestion:

Indigestion, or dyspepsia, can be a key sign of acidity and other digestive problems. It often causes discomfort and a burning sensation in the upper middle part of the stomach.

Common Causes Of Acidity Guided By Gastro Surgeon In Ahmedabad:

Several factors can contribute to acidity. According to gastro surgeon in Ahmedabad, these include:

Food and Dietary Factors

  • Spicy Foods: Eating foods with excessive chilies, pepper, vinegar, and paprika.
  • Fried and Oily Foods: Consuming deep-fried and greasy meals.
  • Caffeine: Excessive intake of caffeine found in tea, coffee, and chocolate.
  • Salt: High intake of table salt.
  • Low Fibre Diet: Eating a diet low in fibre.
  • Overeating: Overeating or eating at irregular intervals.
  • Unhealthy Habits: Lying down immediately after eating.
  • Exercise Timing: Eating just before strenuous physical exercise.

Lifestyle Factors

  • Smoking: Frequent smoking.
  • Alcohol and Soda: Excessive intake of alcohol, soda, or carbonated drinks.
  • Sleep: Lack of sleep.
  • Physical Activity: Lack of physical activity.

Ailments and Medications

  • Mental Health: Excessive stress, anxiety, or depression.
  • Stomach Diseases: Conditions such as peptic ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and stomach cancer.
  • Medications: Use of painkillers, antibiotics, chemotherapy medications, and antidepressants.

When to Consult With the Best Gastrologist in Ahmedabad:

The symptoms of acidity are often manageable with over-the-counter medications and lifestyle changes. However, if you experience severe chest pain, unusual or worsening heartburn, or chest discomfort, it’s important to consult a gastro doctor in Ahmedabad. Additionally, if you experience these symptoms more than twice a week or regularly, visit a gastroenterologist in Ahmedabad to determine the exact cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Wrapping Up:

Acidity is common with symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, sour taste, dysphagia, sore throat, and indigestion. Various factors contribute to acidity, including dietary choices, lifestyle habits, stress, and certain medications. While over-the-counter treatments and lifestyle adjustments can manage symptoms, it’s crucial to consult the best Gastro surgeon in Ahmedabad if symptoms are severe, unusual, or frequent. Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent complications and improve quality of life.

Dr. Anand Patel

Dr. Anand Patel

Dr. Anand Patel, holding an MS and DNB in Surgical Gastroenterology, as well as an FMBS in Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery, authors this article on the website. He ensures all information is sourced from reliable research conducted by himself and fellow specialists, providing authentic insights and expertise.