Overview
Acidity and dyspepsia are very common symptoms that occur when the acid from the stomach rises up into the food pipe or if there is inflammation of the stomach lining. These symptoms are commonly linked to diet, lifestyle, or infections, such as H. pylori.
They are characterised by burning sensation in the chest or upper abdomen, acidic or sour taste in the mouth (especially on lying down, bloating and upper stomach pain or discomfort), along with tightness in the upper abdomen after eating.
- Eating spicy, fried, or fatty foods
- Overeating
- Psychological stress
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Certain conditions such as GERD.
- Infections, such as H. pylori, which may occur from consuming contaminated water or uncooked food
- Physical examination of the patient
- Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (looking inside the food pipe and stomach using a telescope)
- Acid measurement test called as pH monitoring
- Barium swallow tests
- Lifestyle changes (including lifestyle assessment, diet modification, weight management, and cessation of substance abuse).
- Use of prescription antacids.
- Use of H2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors, and potassium channel blockers to reduce acid production.
- Never eat to your fullest capacity. Keep your stomach partly empty.
- Eat small and frequent meals (ideally every 3-4 hours).
- Avoid triggers, such as spicy, fatty, refined fast food.
- Quit smoking, tobacco chewing, and alcohol consumption.
- Do not lie down immediately after eating, instead walk or sit in a reclining position after a meal.
If symptoms are frequent or do not improve with simple lifestyle management and over-the-counter antacids, it is advisable to consult a doctor (family physician or gastroenterologist) as it could indicate the presence of stomach/oesophageal inflammation, H. pylori infection, stomach ulcers, or sometimes even early stages of cancer.
