Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Acidity?
Question: What is the cause of acidity?
Brief Answer:
Acidity is persisting acid environment in stomach
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
By definition acidity is the consequence of excess acid in the stomach.
The stomach regularly generates hydrochloric acid (HCl) and this helps in digestion of food particles. The wall of the stomach consists of an epithelium made up of pits and glands. The two primary functional zones are the oxyntic gland area, representing approximately 80% of the organ, and the pyloric gland area representing the remaining 20%. Parietal cells, which predominate in the oxyntic glands, secrete hydrochloric acid.
Acidity refers to conditions were the acidic environment in the stomach persists. This may be due to
1. excess acid formation,
2. less acid utilization (due to fasting) leading to acid pooling and
3. backwards flow of the acid into the oesophagus (also known as gastrointestinal reflux disease.
This acid is neutralized by the intake of meals regularly. Complications due to uncontrolled acidity may include gastric ulcers.
You often experience symptoms like pain, heart burn. bloating and vomiting due to acidity.
Acidity is controlled by taking small regular meals, avoiding fasting and spicy meals. Medications like proton pump inhibitors are given to suppress gastric acid formation.
I have tried to give a very brief answer to your query. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Acidity is persisting acid environment in stomach
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
By definition acidity is the consequence of excess acid in the stomach.
The stomach regularly generates hydrochloric acid (HCl) and this helps in digestion of food particles. The wall of the stomach consists of an epithelium made up of pits and glands. The two primary functional zones are the oxyntic gland area, representing approximately 80% of the organ, and the pyloric gland area representing the remaining 20%. Parietal cells, which predominate in the oxyntic glands, secrete hydrochloric acid.
Acidity refers to conditions were the acidic environment in the stomach persists. This may be due to
1. excess acid formation,
2. less acid utilization (due to fasting) leading to acid pooling and
3. backwards flow of the acid into the oesophagus (also known as gastrointestinal reflux disease.
This acid is neutralized by the intake of meals regularly. Complications due to uncontrolled acidity may include gastric ulcers.
You often experience symptoms like pain, heart burn. bloating and vomiting due to acidity.
Acidity is controlled by taking small regular meals, avoiding fasting and spicy meals. Medications like proton pump inhibitors are given to suppress gastric acid formation.
I have tried to give a very brief answer to your query. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
