Acidity Or Heart Burn

ACIDITY:

Acidity is a common name referred to regurgitation of acid or partly digested food from stomach into food pipe or mouth.

WATER BRASH / HEARTBURN:

Heartburn / water brash is burning sensation behind the breast bone or sternum. It is due to regurgitation of sour fluid from the esophagus into the oral cavity. It is normal when it occurs occasionally but frequent and severe heartburn is a manifestation of some esophageal dysfunction.

PEPTIC ULCER:

Small or big erosion in the mucosa (lining) of the stomach.

IN CASE OF HEARTBURN OTHER CAUSES INCLUDE:

• Hyperacidity
• Duodenal
• Reflux of gastric contents into
• Inflammation of esophagus, abnormal functioning of esophagus, distention of esophagus.
• Hiatus hernia

PEPTIC ULCER:

• Genetic factors
• Increased secretion of acid in
• Blood group
• Smoking,
• Drug induced- long term consumption of aspirin,
• Type “A” personality – aggressive, anxious, and
• Prolonged stress and anxiety.

SIGN AND SYMPTOMS:

• Sour eructation,
• Burning in chest after
• Vomiting of sour / undigested
• A feeling that food is getting stuck after swallowing.

HEARTBURN / WATER BRASH:

• Burning sensation in middle of the chest or upper
• Aggravated after large meals, stooping or bending after
• Spontaneous appearance of fluid in mouth, which may be salty, sour or
• Discomfort in stomach, aggravated by hot or cold foods, citrus juices and alcohol.

PEPTIC ULCER:

• Pains are related to meals –

1. Gastric ulcer- pain is worst after easting.
2. Duodenal ulcer- pain temporarily better by eating so has to get up at night to eat again.

• Individual is healthy.
• In absence of pain – recurrent bouts of heartburn, anorexia, nausea and vomiting.