Occasional acidity after a heavy or spicy meal is common. But if you have heartburn, sour burps or a burning feeling in the chest twice a week or more, you may have gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the food pipe.

Many people rely on antacids for months without finding the cause. While lifestyle changes help most patients, long-standing reflux can damage the food pipe, so it is worth getting a proper assessment, especially if symptoms are new after the age of 45.

What Causes Acidity and GERD?

A ring of muscle at the bottom of the food pipe normally stops acid from flowing back. Large meals, lying down soon after eating, excess weight, smoking, alcohol and certain medicines such as painkillers can weaken it or increase acid production.

1. Common symptoms

Heartburn, sour taste in the mouth, bloating, burping, nausea and a cough or hoarse voice in the morning.

2. Foods that often trigger acidity

Spicy and oily food, fried snacks, too much tea or coffee, carbonated drinks, chocolate and late-night dinners commonly worsen symptoms. Triggers vary from person to person, so a food diary can help.

Chest pain is not always acidity. Pain with sweating, breathlessness or pain spreading to the arm or jaw needs emergency care to rule out a heart attack.

Healyn Hospitals, Gastroenterology

Our gastroenterologist will review your symptoms and medicines and may advise blood tests, an ultrasound or an endoscopy to look at the food pipe and stomach. Treatment combines diet and lifestyle changes with acid-reducing medicines for a defined period, and tests for infections such as H. pylori when needed.

Warning Signs That Need Prompt Attention

See a doctor soon if acidity comes with any of these symptoms:

  • Difficulty or pain while swallowing
  • Vomiting blood or black, tarry stools
  • Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
  • Symptoms that continue despite treatment

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to take antacids every day?

Occasional use is fine, but daily use for weeks should be reviewed by a doctor to find and treat the cause.

Does cold milk help acidity?

It may give short-term relief, but it can increase acid later. Smaller meals and avoiding triggers work better.

How long after eating should I lie down?

Wait at least two to three hours after a meal before lying down, and raise the head end of your bed if night symptoms are common.

About the Specialist

Dr. Pavan Kumar Madduri – Gastroenterologist, Healyn Hospitals. OPD: Saturday, 7:30–10:30 AM.

To consult our Gastroenterology team, call +91 63666 14481 or book an appointment online. For emergencies, call 080-27845285 (24/7).