What are the Symptoms of Hyperacidity?
October 15, 2023 | by Sravani Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Hyperacidity, also known as acid reflux or acid dyspepsia, refers to a condition where there is an excessive production of stomach acid or a reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus. Symptoms can vary in severity and frequency. Here are common symptoms associated with hyperacidity:
- Heartburn:
- A burning sensation or discomfort in the chest, often behind the breastbone, caused by stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus.
- Regurgitation:
- A sour or bitter taste in the mouth, often accompanied by the sensation of food or liquid coming back up into the throat or mouth.
- Acidic Indigestion:
- Feeling of fullness or discomfort in the upper abdomen due to excessive acid production and poor digestion.
- Dyspepsia:
- Generalized discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen, often accompanied by bloating, belching, and flatulence.
- Nausea and Vomiting:
- Feeling nauseous or experiencing episodes of vomiting, especially if the acidity is severe or chronic.
- Dysphagia:
- Difficulty swallowing or a sensation of food sticking in the throat.
- Sore Throat:
- Irritation, scratchiness, or a burning sensation in the throat due to the reflux of stomach acid.
- Cough and Wheezing:
- Persistent dry cough or wheezing, especially at night, which may be triggered by the irritation of the esophagus and respiratory tract caused by acid reflux.
- Hoarseness:
- Changes in the voice, making it sound rough, raspy, or weak, due to acid irritation of the vocal cords.
- Throat Clearing:
- Frequent need to clear the throat, often due to the irritation caused by refluxed stomach acid.
- Asthma-Like Symptoms:
- Exacerbation or worsening of asthma symptoms, including shortness of breath, due to the irritation of the airways by stomach acid.
- Sleep Disturbances:
- Disrupted sleep, especially if lying down worsens acid reflux symptoms, leading to difficulty falling or staying asleep.
- Bitter Taste in the Mouth:
- The sensation of a bitter or acidic taste in the mouth, particularly after eating or when lying down.
- Bad Breath (Halitosis):
- Foul-smelling breath often caused by regurgitated stomach contents and acid.
- Chest Pain:
- Sharp or burning chest pain that may be mistaken for a heart condition (angina or heart attack). It’s important to differentiate between chest pain from hyperacidity and cardiac-related chest pain.
It’s essential to seek medical attention if you experience persistent or severe symptoms of hyperacidity, as chronic acid reflux can lead to complications such as esophageal inflammation (esophagitis), ulcers, strictures, Barrett’s esophagus, and an increased risk of esophageal cancer. Treatment typically involves lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, medication, and sometimes surgical intervention, depending on the severity and underlying cause of hyperacidity.