Why acidity stomach

For people who experience heartburn or indigestion infrequently, perhaps in association with occasional food and drink triggers, OTC treatments to reduce the acidity of the stomach contents are available.

These liquid and tablet formulations are called antacids, and there are dozens of brands available, all with similar effectiveness. They may not work for everyone, and any need for regular use should be discussed with a doctor. They contain chemical compounds such as calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, aluminum, and magnesium hydroxide.

They can also inhibit nutrient absorption, leading to deficiencies over time. Gaviscon is probably the best-known heartburn therapy. It has a different mode of action than antacid drugs. Alginate drugs such as Gaviscon vary slightly in composition, but they usually contain an antacid. The alginic acid works by creating a mechanical barrier against the stomach acid, forming a foamy gel that sits at the top of the gastric pool itself. Any reflux is then relatively harmless as it consists of alginic acid and not damaging stomach acid.

If you want to buy Gaviscon, then there is an excellent selection available online. If GERD is severe and unresponsive to medical treatment, a surgical intervention known as fundoplication may be needed. Acid reflux usually produces heartburn, whether it is due to a single episode of overeating or persistent GERD. Heartburn is an uncomfortable burning sensation that occurs in the esophagus and is felt behind the breastbone area.

It tends to get worse when lying down or bending over. It can last for several hours and often worsens after eating food. The pain of heartburn may move up toward the neck and throat.

Stomach fluid can reach the back of the throat in some cases, producing a bitter or sour taste. Without treatment, GERD can lead to serious complications in the long term, including an increased risk of cancer. If your symptoms are not alleviated or you rely on drugstore medication often, you may have GERD gastroesophageal reflux disease , a more serious form of acid reflux.

Your doctor may order an X-ray, endoscopy, or other tests to determine if your symptoms are related to GERD. She also notes that it's important to monitor your symptoms closely and discuss them with your doctor, because they could actually indicate a more serious condition, such as heart disease, hiatal hernia , or esophageal cancer , which require immediate attention.

Skip to content. Symptoms of heartburn usually begin shortly after eating. Causes of heartburn. Spicy foods or large meals can be the root of distress. Symptoms of heartburn. Treatment of heartburn. Tags: Expert Advice. Heartburn is a burning feeling in the chest caused by stomach acid travelling up towards the throat acid reflux. If it keeps happening, it's called gastro-oesophageal reflux disease GORD. Your symptoms will probably be worse after eating, when lying down and when bending over.

Lots of people get heartburn from time to time. There's often no obvious reason why. They can recommend medicines called antacids that can help ease your symptoms. We look at these and give our recommendations for your overall gut health questions. Cholangitis is inflammation swelling in the bile duct. Treatment depends on your symptoms and whether you have chronic or acute cholangitis.

Gastroparesis is a condition in which your stomach empties into your small intestine too slowly. Learn about the best diet for gastroparesis and what…. Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas and causes abdominal tenderness and pain. Learn more. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Saurabh Sethi, M. What can cause high stomach acid? What are the symptoms? What are the side effects of high stomach acid? Are there risk factors?

What are the treatment options?