What Is Hyperacidity? How Does Antacid Work to Cure It?


Introduction

Hyperacidity is a condition where the stomach produces too much acid, leading to discomfort and pain in the upper abdomen, chest, and throat. The symptoms of hyperacidity can be similar to those of heartburn, indigestion, and acid reflux, and can be caused by a variety of factors, including diet, stress, and certain medications. While hyperacidity is a common condition, it can be uncomfortable and disruptive to daily life, and there are a variety of treatments available, including antacids.

What is Hyperacidity?

Hyperacidity, also known as acid reflux or acid indigestion, occurs when there is an excess of acid in the stomach. Normally, the stomach produces hydrochloric acid, which helps to break down food and digest it. However, when the stomach produces too much acid, it can lead to discomfort and pain in the upper abdomen, chest, and throat. Hyperacidity is a common condition, affecting millions of people worldwide.

Symptoms of Hyperacidity

The symptoms of hyperacidity can vary from person to person, but may include:

  • Heartburn − A burning sensation in the chest or throat.

  • Regurgitation − A sour or bitter taste in the mouth, sometimes accompanied by the sensation of food coming back up.

Nausea, vomiting, bloating, belching, abdominal pain and discomfort and other major symptoms.

Causes of Hyperacidity

There are a variety of factors that can contribute to hyperacidity, including:

  • Diet − Certain foods, such as spicy or fatty foods, caffeine, and alcohol, can increase the production of acid in the stomach.

  • Stress − Stress can increase the production of acid in the stomach.

  • Medications − Certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can irritate the lining of the stomach and increase the production of acid.

  • Pregnancy − Pregnancy can increase the production of acid in the stomach.

  • Hiatal hernia − A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach moves up into the chest through a hole in the diaphragm, which can increase the production of acid.

Treatment for Hyperacidity

There are a variety of treatments available for hyperacidity, including lifestyle changes, medications, and surgery.

  • Lifestyle Changes − Making certain lifestyle changes can help to reduce the symptoms of hyperacidity. These changes may include:

  • Avoiding Trigger Foods − Certain foods, such as spicy or fatty foods, caffeine, and alcohol, can increase the production of acid in the stomach. Avoiding these foods can help to reduce symptoms.

  • Eating Smaller, More Frequent Meals − Eating smaller, more frequent meals can help to reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach.

  • Losing Weight − Losing weight can help to reduce the pressure on the stomach, which can help to reduce the production of acid.

  • Quitting Smoking − Smoking can increase the production of acid in the stomach, so quitting smoking can help to reduce symptoms.

  • Managing Stress − Managing stress through techniques such as meditation and yoga can help to reduce the production of acid in the stomach.

Medications

There are a variety of medications available to treat hyperacidity, including:

  • Antacids − Antacids are medications that neutralize the acid in the stomach. They can provide rapid relief of symptoms, but are not a long-term solution.

  • H2 Blockers − H2 blockers are medications that reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach. They are effective at reducing symptoms, but may take longer to work than antacids.

  • Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) − PPIs are medications that block the production of acid in the stomach. They are effective at reducing symptoms, but may take several days to work.

Surgery

In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to treat hyperacidity. Surgery may be recommended if medications and lifestyle changes are not effective, or if there is a complication such as a hiatal hernia. The most common surgery for hyperacidity is called a fundoplication, which involves wrapping a portion of the stomach around the oesophagus to create a barrier that prevents acid from flowing back up into the oesophagus.

Antacids and How They Work

Antacids are a type of medication that can provide rapid relief of symptoms of hyperacidity. Antacids work by neutralizing the acid in the stomach, which can help to reduce symptoms such as heartburn and indigestion. Antacids are available over-the-counter and come in a variety of forms, including tablets, capsules, and liquids.

The active ingredients in antacids are typically compounds such as calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, and aluminium hydroxide. These compounds work by reacting with the acid in the stomach to form salts and water. The neutralized stomach acid is then absorbed into the body or eliminated through the digestive system.

Antacids can provide rapid relief of symptoms, but they are not a long-term solution. Antacids do not reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach, and they do not address the underlying causes of hyperacidity. Antacids can also have side effects, such as constipation or diarrhoea, and may interact with other medications.

Conclusion

Hyperacidity is a common condition that can be uncomfortable and disruptive to daily life. The condition is caused by an excess of acid in the stomach, which can result in symptoms such as heartburn, indigestion, and acid reflux. Hyperacidity can be managed with lifestyle changes, such as avoiding trigger foods and losing weight, as well as medications such as antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors.

In summary, hyperacidity is a common condition that can be managed with a combination of lifestyle changes and medications. Antacids provide rapid relief of symptoms, while H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors can be effective for longer-term management.

It is important to discuss potential side effects and risks with a healthcare provider before starting treatment, and to implement strategies to reduce the risk of complications. With proper management, hyperacidity can be effectively controlled, allowing individuals to live comfortable and healthy lives.

Updated on: 20-Apr-2023

54 Views

Kickstart Your Career

Get certified by completing the course

Get Started
Advertisements