Acidity Symptoms - Symptoms & Causes

Acidity refers to the condition that occurs when there is an excess amount of acid produced in the stomach. The excess acid can cause irritation in the stomach and lead to discomfort and various symptoms such as heartburn, indigestion, and difficulty in swallowing. It is a common condition, but frequent episodes of acidity can be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or an ulcer.

This Story also Contains

1. What is Acidity?
2. Causes of Acidity
3. Hyperacidity Symptoms of Acidity
4. Diagnosis of Acidity
5. Risk Factors of Acidity
6. Acidity Treatment
7. MCQs on Health and Disease

The cause of acidity can range from poor eating habits, stress, and certain medications to lifestyle changes like smoking and consuming spicy, oily, or fatty foods. Diagnosis involves physical examination, and sometimes imaging or endoscopy. Managing this condition includes dietary adjustments, stress management, and medications if required. Acidity is a topic of the chapter Human Health and Disease. It is a chapter in the biology subject.

What is Acidity?

A condition known as acidity, sometimes known as acid reflux, is characterised by heartburn that is felt in the lower chest region. When stomach acid rushes back up into the food pipe, it is a common symptom.

The most typical sign of acid reflux is a pain or burning sensation in the chest. This not only upsets the stomach but also results in other symptoms like indigestion, a sour taste in the mouth, and trouble swallowing.

Causes of Acidity

Acidity results from the stomach's gastric glands producing too much acid. Some common conditions for acidity are:

• Poor Eating Patterns

• Overindulging in certain foods and beverages, such as tea, coffee & carbonated beverages

• Adverse effects of some short-term medications and current medications.

• Digestive problems like Gastroesophageal reflux disease, tumours, and peptic ulcers are a few reasons for Acidity.

Hyperacidity Symptoms of Acidity

There can be conditions when, due to acidity, there can be too much uneasiness. These can be indications of some serious issues. Some common symptoms are mentioned below:

• Heartburn is a chronic discomfort that originates in your stomach and extends to your chest and neck.

• Upper abdominal ache that persists

• crimson or dark stools, frequently with blood in vomiting

• Wheezing, a persistent sore throat, a dry cough, or hoarseness

Diagnosis of Acidity

It is important to see a doctor if you develop any acidity symptoms, such as burping (with a sour taste in your mouth), regurgitation, bloating, or burning pain or discomfort (also known as heartburn).

• Monitoring the pH: It determines how acidic the oesophagus is. The doctor inserts a device into the oesophagus and leaves it there for two days to measure the quantity of acid there.

• Barium swallow: It aids in locating ulcers and a constricted oesophagus. After applying a solution, an X-ray will be taken.

• Endoscopy: This procedure involves inserting a long, flexible light-filled tube through the mouth and checking the oesophagus and stomach for problems using the camera at the bottom. Sedation or anaesthesia is used to do it.

• Oesophagal manometry: It is a test that assists in determining how well the lower oesophagal sphincter (LES) and the oesophagal muscles are working. It will let your doctor know if your oesophagus can accommodate your meals normally or not.

The medications used for treating acidity may offer quick relief, but there have been reported negative effects associated with long-term use. Bone fracture, kidney failure, heart attack, dementia, and vitamin shortage are a few examples of adverse effects.

Risk Factors of Acidity

Acidity occurs when there is an increased amount of acid in the stomach that causes heartburn. The following factors increase the risk of acidity:

• Asthma, diabetes, celiac disease, and connective tissue disorders like scleroderma are examples of diseases

• abdominal hernia

• stomach empties more slowly

• Overweight/obesity

• Pregnancy

• women who will soon enter menopause

• hormone replacement treatment in females

Acidity Treatment

Based on your health and the severity of your acid reflux issue, some of the treatments are mentioned below:

MCQs on Health and Disease

Q1. Maintenance of personal and public hygiene is very important for

Option 1: Prevention of infectious diseases

Option 2: Control of non - infectious diseases

Option 3: Control of infectious disease

Option 4: More than one correct answer

Correct answer: 4) More than one correct answer

Explanation:

Maintenance of personal and public hygiene is very important for the prevention and control of many infectious diseases. Measures for personal hygiene include keeping the body clean; and consuming clean drinking water, food, vegetables, fruits, etc. Public hygiene includes proper disposal of waste and excreta; periodic cleaning and disinfection of water reservoirs, pools, cesspools and tanks and observing standard practices of hygiene in public catering.

Hence, the correct answer is option 4) More than one correct answer

Q2. The term 'Health' is defined in many ways. The most accurate definition of health would be:

Option 1: Health is the state of body and mind in a balanced condition

Option 2: Health is the reflection of a smiling face

Option 3: Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being

Option 4: Health is a symbol of economic prosperity.

Correct answer: (3) health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being

Explanation:

To lead a quality life, physical fitness alone is not sufficient. Mental and Social well-being hold equal importance. A quality life is achieved through a balance of physical, mental, and social well-being. Mental health is crucial for emotional resilience, stress management, and overall happiness. Social well-being fosters strong relationships, a sense of community, and social support. Together, these aspects contribute to a harmonious and fulfilling life.

Hence, The correct answer is option (3) health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being

Q3. When functioning of one or more organs or systems of the body is adversely affected, we can say we have/are

Option 1: Disorder

Option 2: Disease

Option 3: Illness

Option 4: All of These

Correct answer: 4) All of these

Explanation:

When the functioning of one or more organs or systems of the body is adversely affected, characterized by various signs and symptoms, we say that we are not healthy, i.e., we have a disease. Diseases can arise from a variety of causes, including bacterial or viral infections, genetic mutations, autoimmune disorders, nutritional deficiencies, environmental factors, or lifestyle choices such as poor diet or lack of exercise.

Hence, the correct answer is option 4) All of these

Also Read

• Practice MCQs on Health and Disease

• Immunology

• Adolescence And Drug Abuse