ACIDITY OF STOMACH
OTHER NAMES
* Acid reflux,
* Heartburn,
* Heartburn.
DEFINITION
The acidity of the stomach is a burning sensation that is sometimes painful. May occur at or above the sternum in the throat or stomach down on itself, usually spread throughout this area from the neck to the abdomen.
COMMENTS
The cause of this acidity is the presence of secretions in the stomach (very acidic) to other parts of the digestive system, esophagus, which are not prepared to withstand this level of acidity, so give a burning sensation or irritation.
It may be because the normal acids of the stomach pass up into the esophagus, or because there is an excess of acid in the stomach.
THE MOST FREQUENT CAUSES OF STOMACH ACIDITY
* Gastroesophageal Reflux.
* Esophageal spasm or contraction.
* Hiatal hernia.
* Drugs acidifiers or irritation of the gastric mucosa such as aspirin or non steroidal antiinflammatory drugs.
CARE AND TREATMENT
* Avoid drugs that may be causing heartburn, if not essential. In any case you should consult with your doctor to put the issue of appropriate alternatives.
* The diet should avoid foods that can stimulate the secretion of stomach acid, such as coffee, alcohol, snuff, copious meals and citrus (lemon, orange, grapefruit, etc. …).
* To prevent reflux is not good to lie down or lie down with food in the stomach.
* Do not eat 2 or 3 hours before bedtime and avoid tight clothing.
* The head of the bed is lifted about 10 to 12 cm. It should also be losing weight if necessary.
Depending on the cause will be an appropriate treatment.
WHEN TO ASK YOUR DOCTOR
When heartburn is accompanied by vomiting, especially if they are color or black blood type coffee. If there is diarrhea or stools black. In this case it can be serious and should be consulted as soon as possible.
If heartburn is frequent or prolonged or is weight loss, you should consult a doctor but without urgency.
When it is associated with difficulty swallowing or swallowing food, you should consult with a certain immediacy.
EXPLORATIONS WE CAN MAKE YOUR DOCTOR
To make a study of the causes of heartburn, your doctor may perform a medical history and then apply for some tests such as:
* Study with a radiological gastrointestinal transit of barium contrast.
* Gastroscopy.
* Study of Helicobacter pylori in blood or breath.