Acidity – Symptoms, Key Causes & Treatment

Every day, millions of people experience acidity issues. It is a health issue that is caused when acid flows into the oesophagus. It is also known as acid reflux.

Most people do not realise that poor eating habits and lifestyle cause acidity. However, if it occurs frequently, it could be a sign of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). In this blog, we will discuss acidity symptoms, causes, and treatments in detail. 

Understanding Acidity 

Our stomach contains Hydrochloric acid, which is necessary to break down the food and also protects against pathogens. There’s a small muscle around the stomach known as the gastroesophageal sphincter. It acts like a valve that lets food into your stomach and closes to stop it from coming back up. But sometimes, this gate doesn’t close properly. 

When that happens, acid from the stomach moves back up into the throat. You experience the sour and bitter taste in your mouth. This is called acid reflux or acidity.

Acidity and Gas Causes 

The common acidity causes  are as follows:

Hiatal Hernia

A hiatal hernia happens when the top of your stomach pushes through the opening in your diaphragm. This squeezes your oesophagus and weakens the muscle that stops acid from rising.  This is very common in older age and can be treated easily. 

Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a common cause of acidity problems. During this time, growing pressure in the belly can weaken the gastroesophageal sphincter. As a result, many pregnant women experience acid reflux. The acidity and gas condition usually go away after childbirth.

Obesity

Obesity is one of the reasons for acidity. Excess weight puts pressure on your stomach and can increase estrogen levels, further weakening the valve that controls acid flow. If not treated properly, obesity can also lead to long-term issues like constant acidity.

Smoking

Smoking weakens the valve between your stomach and throat, increases stomach acid, and slows digestion. Frequent coughing from smoking can also stretch and weaken the diaphragm.

This habit raises your risk of acid reflux and related health problems.

Acidity Symptoms 

You may experience a burning pain behind your chest bone. It happens due to the lie down, bending over, or eating a heavy meal. The pain may last for hours and even move up to your neck and throat. Some of the acidity symptoms are as follows: 

Nausea, Regurgitation, or Vomiting

When acid moves up from the stomach, you may feel nauseous or vomit. Regurgitation happens when undigested food flows back into your mouth. These are the indications that your stomach is not processing food properly due to excess acid.

Bad Breath

Stomach acid and undigested food pushed back into your throat can leave a bad smell in your mouth. Good oral hygiene and acidity  treatment are both important to keep the  breath fresh.

Belching

Belching, or frequent burping, is common when excess gas builds up due to indigestion or acid reflux. It’s your body’s way of releasing trapped air. However, constant belching may indicate that your stomach is producing too much acid or not digesting food properly.

Indigestion

Indigestion makes your stomach feel heavy, uncomfortable, or bloated, especially after eating. This happens when acid disrupts your digestive process. Over time, it can lead to more frequent acidity and discomfort unless managed through proper eating habits and medical insurance support.

Difficulty in Swallowing

When acid irritates your throat repeatedly, it may cause inflammation. It is a feeling that food is hard to pass through your throat. It can be painful and a sign that your acidity needs medical attention.

Acidity Treatment 

If you've been having repeated episodes of acidity, follow these simple steps for effective acidity relief:

Eat Sparingly and Slowly

Eating large meals can fill your stomach and push acid into your oesophagus. Try eating smaller meals more frequently instead of heavy ones. This “grazing” method puts less pressure on your stomach and helps reduce episodes of acid reflux throughout the day.

Avoid Certain Foods

Spicy dishes, onions, garlic, tomatoes, mint, chocolate, fatty foods, coffee, alcohol, and tea are some acidic foods that you should avoid. You can reintroduce them slowly, one at a time, to test your tolerance.

Don’t Drink Carbonated Beverages

Carbonated drinks create gas, which causes burping. Burping can push acid up into your oesophagus, causing discomfort. To stay hydrated, you can replace fizzy drinks with herbal teas.

Stay Upright After Eating

Gravity helps keep food and acid in your stomach. Lying down too soon after eating can cause acidity. Finish eating at least three hours before going to bed. Avoid late-night snacks to let your food digest properly.

Don’t Move Too Fast

Avoid heavy workouts or bending over right after eating. These actions can cause stomach acid to move up into your throat. Always consider gentle activities like walking after meals. They help you digest your food quickly.

Final Thoughts

Acidity may seem a minor problem, but frequent symptoms can signal serious conditions like GERD. That’s why having health insurance matters. At Niva Bupa, we offer coverage for acidity treatment, diagnostics, and consultations, ensuring better care and peace of mind when needed.

Disclaimer: The details provided above are intended for informational purposes only. For accurate medical guidance, please consult your healthcare provider. Health insurance benefits are governed by the terms and conditions of your policy. For further details, review your policy documents.