Acid indigestion

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Acid indigestion (also known as Agita) is a type of indigestion involving an excess or possible lack of acid in the stomach. Frequent occurrence of acid indigestion can lead to aggravation of the duodenum or to an aggravation of the lining of the stomach, both of which can lead to ulcers which can be life-threatening. However, some 85–95%^[1] of all stomach ulcers are caused by infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, and not by excess acidity. Thus it is up to those who suffer from indigestion or heartburn to properly figure out if it is acidic or alkaline in nature.

Acid indigestion should be distinguished from heartburn, which typically involves aggravation of the oesophagus. However, the causes may be the same.

Heartburn is a painful burning sensation in the esophagus, just below or behind the breastbone. The pain often rises in your chest and may radiate to your neck or throat.^[2]

Causes

Common contributors to acid indigestion are:

• Eating foods with too much fat
• Eating foods with too much spice
• Excess consumption of
  • Alcohol
  • Caffeine
• Smoking
• Lack of acid in the stomach causing the hydrochloric acid to primarily be at the higher end of the stomach.

Prevention and treatments

• The safest and first advised remedy is to eat frequent, small meals^[3]; and refrain from leaving stomach empty for long time spans. The frequency of meals is more important than their composition.
• Exacerbate the condition, or do nothing at all within 20-30 minutes of an active base being consumed, the consumption of small amounts of light, purer acids, like white vinegar may grant relief. Pickles can be used in lieu of such things. This should be tried prior to the consumption of antacids, as the issue could be not excess but lack of acid in the stomach.
• Over the counter remedies (antacids) are available at almost all grocery stores, pharmacies and drugstores (e.g. Pepcid ac). However, a kind of dependence can develop on these medications, and other complications can arise from excess use of them.

External links

References

1. ^ http://www.helico.com/h_epidemiology.html
2. ^ http://usnews.healthline.com/adamcontent/heartburn
3. ^ Acid Indigestion: Myth & Mysteries - TIME

(Note: this article dates from 1964.)