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Published on: Sep 11, 2021
2 minute read
By: Second Medic Expert

What Are The Symptoms Of Acidity & How Can I Reduce Acidity?

Ever experienced that uncomfortable burning sensation in your chest or throat? It might be acidity, a common digestive issue that affects many. But fear not – understanding its symptoms and knowing how to reduce acidity can bring relief. Join us on a journey to unravel the mysteries of acidity, exploring simple home remedies, medications, and the possibility of seeking guidance through online doctor consultation.

What is Acidity?

Before we dive into the symptoms and solutions, let's grasp the basics. Acidity, also known as acid reflux, occurs when the stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing discomfort. It's like an unwelcome guest disrupting your digestive party.

Symptoms of Acidity

1. Heartburn: A burning sensation in the chest, often rising towards the throat, is a classic symptom of acidity. It feels like a fiery pit that just won't settle.

2. Regurgitation: Ever had a sour taste in your mouth, like something from your stomach decided to revisit? That's regurgitation, a telltale sign of acidity.

3. Bloating: Feeling excessively full or bloated after meals? Acidity could be playing a part in disrupting your digestive harmony.

4. Burping: Frequent burping, especially when accompanied by the taste of stomach acid, is another symptom you shouldn't ignore.

5. Nausea: Acidity can sometimes bring along a feeling of queasiness or nausea, making you wish for a pause button on life.

Causes of Acidity

Understanding the triggers of acidity is crucial for effective management. Common causes include:

1. Unhealthy Eating Habits: Overindulging in spicy, oily, or acidic foods can lead to acidity. Your stomach might protest against that extra helping of hot wings.

2. Skipping Meals: Going for long hours without eating can cause an imbalance in stomach acids, paving the way for acidity.

3. Obesity: Carrying excess weight puts pressure on your stomach, increasing the likelihood of acid reflux.

4. Smoking and Alcohol: These indulgences can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, the gateway between your stomach and esophagus, leading to acid reflux.

5. Stress: The infamous stress factor! High-stress levels can wreak havoc on your digestive system, making acidity more likely to strike.

Acidity Treatment at Home

Now, let's explore some easy home remedies to calm the acidity storm:

1. Ginger Tea: Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe the stomach. Enjoy a warm cup of ginger tea for relief.

2. Bananas: This humble fruit is a natural antacid. Snack on a banana to neutralize excess stomach acid.

3. Aloe Vera Juice: Aloe vera is not just for skincare. Drinking aloe vera juice can provide relief from acidity due to its cooling properties.

4. Chewing Gum: Chewing gum stimulates saliva production, which helps neutralize stomach acid. Opt for sugar-free gum for an added health boost.

5. Fennel Seeds: Chewing on fennel seeds post-meals can aid digestion and alleviate acidity symptoms.

Acidity Medicine Options

When home remedies aren't sufficient, medications can come to the rescue:

1. Antacids: Over-the-counter antacids can quickly neutralize stomach acid, providing immediate relief from acidity symptoms.

2. H2 Blockers: These medications reduce the production of stomach acid, offering longer-lasting relief compared to antacids.

3. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): PPIs are effective in reducing the production of stomach acid and are often prescribed for more severe cases of acidity.

Seeking Professional Advice through Online Doctor Consultation

Persistent acidity issues might warrant professional guidance. The convenience of online doctor consultation allows you to discuss your symptoms, receive personalized advice, and even order prescribed medication from the comfort of your home.

Lifestyle Changes for Long-Term Relief

Preventing acidity involves making some lifestyle adjustments:

1. Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals: Opt for smaller meals throughout the day to prevent excessive stomach acid production.

2. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps dilute stomach acid, reducing the likelihood of reflux.

3. Avoid Trigger Foods: Identify and steer clear of foods that trigger acidity symptoms, such as spicy, fried, and citrusy items.

4. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Shedding excess pounds can alleviate pressure on your stomach, reducing the risk of acid reflux.

Acidity may be a common woe, but armed with knowledge and simple solutions, you can keep it at bay. From understanding symptoms to exploring home remedies, medications, and seeking professional advice through online consultations, managing acidity is within your grasp. Remember, your digestive system deserves a harmonious melody – let's make sure it stays in tune.

Read FAQs

A. Reducing acidity quickly involves simple steps. Drink water, chew gum, or sip on ginger tea. Antacids provide instant relief, and avoiding trigger foods helps prevent acid reflux.

A. Lowering acidity requires lifestyle changes. Eat smaller meals, stay hydrated, and avoid trigger foods like spicy and fatty items. Probiotics and aloe vera juice can also promote a healthier stomach environment.

A. The main reason for acidity is often unhealthy eating habits. Consuming spicy, oily, or acidic foods, skipping meals, obesity, and stress are common triggers. Identifying and addressing these factors can help manage acidity.

Read Blog

Yellow Eyes and Skin Symptoms: Causes, Warning Signs and When to Seek Care

Yellowing of the eyes and skin is one of the most noticeable physical changes a person can experience. Often referred to as jaundice, this symptom is not a disease by itself but a sign of underlying health conditions. Understanding yellow eyes and skin symptoms is essential because they frequently indicate problems involving the liver, blood or bile ducts and may require urgent medical attention.

In India, jaundice is a common presentation across age groups due to infections, liver disease and metabolic disorders.

What Does Yellowing of Eyes and Skin Mean?

The yellow colour appears due to excess bilirubin in the blood.

Bilirubin is:

a yellow pigment
produced from the breakdown of red blood cells
processed and removed by the liver

When bilirubin builds up, it deposits in tissues, causing yellow discoloration.

Why the Eyes Turn Yellow First

The sclera, or white part of the eyes, contains elastic tissue that binds bilirubin easily.

This makes yellowing:

more visible in eyes
detectable before skin changes

Yellow eyes are often the earliest sign of jaundice.

Common Causes of Yellow Eyes and Skin

Liver-Related Causes

The liver plays a central role in bilirubin metabolism.

Common liver causes include:

viral hepatitis (A, B, C, E)
fatty liver disease
alcoholic liver disease
liver cirrhosis
drug-induced liver injury

ICMR reports viral hepatitis as a major cause of jaundice in India.

Bile Duct Obstruction

Blocked bile flow prevents bilirubin excretion.

Causes include:

gallstones
bile duct strictures
pancreatic or bile duct tumours

This type of jaundice is often associated with itching and pale stools.

Blood Disorders

Excess breakdown of red blood cells increases bilirubin production.

Conditions include:

hemolytic anemia
malaria
inherited blood disorders

The liver may be overwhelmed despite being healthy.

Infections

Certain infections directly affect liver function.

Examples include:

hepatitis viruses
leptospirosis
severe sepsis

WHO data highlights hepatitis as a leading infectious cause of jaundice globally.

Newborn and Pregnancy-Related Causes

While common in newborns, jaundice in adults always needs evaluation.

Pregnancy-related liver disorders can also cause yellowing.

Associated Symptoms That Provide Clues

Yellow eyes and skin are often accompanied by:

dark yellow or tea-coloured urine
pale or clay-coloured stools
itching
fatigue
abdominal pain
loss of appetite

These symptoms help identify the underlying cause.

When Yellowing Becomes Dangerous

Seek urgent medical care if yellowing is accompanied by:

high fever
severe abdominal pain
confusion or drowsiness
vomiting
rapid worsening of colour

These signs suggest severe liver or systemic disease.

Jaundice and Liver Function

The liver normally:

conjugates bilirubin
excretes it into bile

When liver cells are damaged, bilirubin accumulates.

Lancet studies confirm jaundice as a key marker of liver dysfunction.

Diagnostic Evaluation

Doctors evaluate jaundice using:

blood tests for bilirubin levels
liver function tests
viral markers
ultrasound or CT scans
additional tests based on findings

Early testing identifies reversible causes.

Impact on Daily Life

Persistent jaundice can affect:

energy levels
digestion
mental clarity
work performance

Untreated liver disease can progress silently.

Treatment Depends on the Cause

There is no single treatment for jaundice.

Management focuses on:

treating infection
relieving bile obstruction
stopping harmful medications
managing chronic liver disease

Self-medication can worsen liver injury.

Role of Preventive Healthcare

Preventive measures include:

hepatitis vaccination
safe drinking water
limiting alcohol intake
regular health checkups

NITI Aayog emphasises liver health in preventive care strategies.

Lifestyle Factors That Affect Liver Health

Risk factors include:

excessive alcohol
obesity
high-fat diets
unsafe injections

Addressing these reduces jaundice risk.

Importance of Early Detection

Early diagnosis:

prevents complications
improves recovery
reduces hospitalisation

Delays increase the risk of liver failure.

Jaundice Is a Symptom, Not a Diagnosis

Understanding this distinction is crucial.

Treating the symptom alone:

does not resolve the disease
may mask serious conditions

Medical evaluation is essential.

Conclusion

Yellow eyes and skin symptoms are visible warning signs that should never be ignored. Most often linked to jaundice, they reflect underlying problems involving the liver, bile ducts or blood. Early medical evaluation, accurate diagnosis and timely treatment are critical to prevent serious complications. Recognising these symptoms and seeking care promptly can protect liver health and save lives.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Hepatitis and Liver Disease Reports
World Health Organization (WHO) – Jaundice and Hepatitis Guidelines
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Liver and Metabolic Health Indicators
Lancet – Liver Function and Bilirubin Research
NITI Aayog – Non-Communicable Diseases and Liver Health
Statista – Liver Disease and Hepatitis Trends

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