Hyperacidity, also known as acid dyspepsia or acid reflux, occurs when the stomach produces excessive gastric acid, leading to symptoms of discomfort and irritation in the digestive system. This condition can cause heartburn, indigestion, and other digestive problems.

Causes of Hyperacidity:

• Dietary habits (e.g., spicy, fatty, or acidic foods, alcohol, caffeine)
• Overeating or eating too quickly
• Smoking
• Stress or anxiety
• Certain medications (e.g., NSAIDs, aspirin)
• Helicobacter pylori infection (a bacteria that can inflame the stomach lining)
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Hiatal hernia (when part of the stomach pushes up into the chest cavity)
• Obesity (increases pressure on the stomach, leading to acid reflux)

Symptoms of Hyperacidity:

• Heartburn (burning sensation in the chest or throat, often after eating)
• Indigestion (discomfort in the upper abdomen)
• Acid reflux (regurgitation of stomach acid into the esophagus)
• Nausea
• Bloating
• Belching or flatulence
• Sour taste in the mouth
• Difficulty swallowing (in severe cases)

Complications (if untreated):

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus)
• Peptic ulcers (sores in the stomach lining or small intestine)
• Barrett’s esophagus (a precancerous condition caused by chronic acid reflux)
• Esophageal cancer

Prevention and Management:

1. Dietary Changes:

   • Avoid foods that trigger acidity (e.g., citrus fruits, spicy foods, chocolate, onions, garlic, caffeine, and alcohol).
   • Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of large portions.
   • Avoid eating late at night or lying down immediately after meals.

2. Lifestyle Modifications:

   • Maintain a healthy weight, as excess weight puts pressure on the stomach, increasing acid reflux.
   • Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
   • Elevate the head of the bed to prevent acid from flowing back into the esophagus at night.
   • Reduce stress, which can exacerbate hyperacidity.

3. Home Remedies:

   • Drinking a glass of warm water with a small amount of baking soda may neutralize stomach acid.
   • Ginger tea or supplements can help soothe an irritated stomach.
   • Aloe vera juice may reduce irritation in the esophagus.
   • Probiotics (e.g., yogurt or supplements) can help restore balance in the digestive system.

4. Medications:

   • Antacids (e.g., calcium carbonate) neutralize stomach acid and provide quick relief.
   • H2 blockers (e.g., ranitidine) reduce acid production in the stomach.
   • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) (e.g., omeprazole, esomeprazole) block acid production and help heal the esophagus.
   • Prokinetics (e.g., metoclopramide) can help strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter, reducing acid reflux.

When to See a Doctor:

• If symptoms are severe, frequent, or interfere with daily life.
• If you experience difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, or persistent nausea or vomiting.
• If over-the-counter medications do not provide relief.

Hyperacidity is often manageable with lifestyle changes, but chronic or severe cases may require medical intervention to prevent long-term complications.