Introduction
Acidity occurs when the gastric acids (acids that aid digestion, present in the stomach) flow backward to the connecting pipe (esophagus) between the throat and stomach. Since there is a backward flow, it is called acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux (GER). Heartburn is the common irritating symptom of GER. With age, the frequency and intensity of the occurrence of heartburn increase.
What Is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?
GERD is chronic acid reflux, where the acidic contents flow back consistently and intermittently from the stomach to the throat or mouth. As a result, the person experiences an acidic or sour taste. GERD can happen at any age, but the frequency may increase with age.
What Will Happen if the Acid Reflux Persists?
For the digestion of food, the stomach produces strong acids and enzymes (proteins that speed up the actions). Acid reflux or GERD, if left untreated, may cause esophageal cancer. As the symptoms of acid reflux are usually intense, the chances of letting it stay untreated are less. Therefore, the occurrence of cancer due to GERD is also rare.
If acid reflux persists for a long time, it gradually damages the inner lining of the esophagus and causes changes in the cells. The lining gets reddened and thickened due to cellular changes, causing Barrett's esophagus. Regurgitation of stomach contents, occasional chest pain, and frequent heartburn are the symptoms of Barrett's esophagus. It can also become cancerous if left untreated.
What Are the Symptoms of Acidity?
The two main symptoms are heartburn and acid regurgitation. Heartburn may be felt as an internal burning sensation in the area of the stomach, chest, and throat. Some people may not even experience heartburn but may feel symptoms like chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and the feeling of food stuck in the throat. Acid regurgitation occurs when the acidic contents backflow to the throat and mouth. It may cause bad breath and dry cough.
Heartburn is the prime symptom of acidity, felt as a pain or burning sensation in the middle of the chest. It occurs due to the damage caused by gastric acids to the inner lining of the esophagus. The burning sensation may get triggered by eating specific foods. The person may also find it difficult to sleep as the symptoms worsen on lying down.
What Are the Causes of Acidity in Older People?
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Muscular Aging: After the food enters the stomach, the valve preventing the backflow of stomach contents (lower esophageal sphincter muscle) closes. With age, this sphincter muscle gets weakened, loosening the closure made by the valve. When the valve gets opened, the contents backflow, causing acid reflux. The muscle may weaken even more if the person takes certain medications for asthma (narrowing of airway passage causing shortness of breath), increased blood pressure, allergy, or depression. Consuming fried and spicy foods and unhealthy eating patterns can worsen the condition.
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Obesity or Weight Gain: Weight gain is strongly associated with acid reflux. Being overweight or having an increased belly size may affect the pressure applied to the muscles. Excess belly fat may put more pressure on the valve muscle and weaken it, causing an acid backflow. It may also lead to a hiatal hernia, where the upper part of the stomach enlarges, blocking the normal flow of food.
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Medication: The consumption of medicines is usually directly proportional to age. Antidepressants like Doxepine, antibiotics like Tetracycline, potassium and iron supplements, progesterone, and sedatives like Diazepam are a few of them.
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Hiatal Hernia: It occurs when the upper part of the stomach bulges through an opening in the diaphragm (a partition separating the abdomen from the thorax). It mainly occurs when increased pressure is applied to the abdominal cavity. GERD may or may not be present along with hiatal hernia, although both share common symptoms like heartburn, stomach discomfort or pain, and sour or bitter taste.
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Lifestyle Modification: Overeating and smoking can also cause acidity. Nicotine in cigarettes can weaken the sphincter muscle, causing acid reflux.
- Eat Good- Spicy and fried foods, alcohol, carbonated drinks, and caffeinated beverages can cause heartburn. Avoiding such foods and including natural and healthy options can help to control acidity.
How to avoid acidity in older age?
- Eat for the Need - Overeating may overload the stomach causing the acidic contents to backflow.
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Lose Excess Weight - Obesity is a health condition in which excess body weight or increased body fat percentage raises the risk of severe health problems. Obesity and overweight are linked to acid reflux. Healthy eating patterns and staying active can help eliminate excess weight.
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Quit Smoking - Quitting can prevent the harsh effects caused by nicotine on the valve muscles, thus reducing acidity.
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Avoid Lying Down Post-meal - Avoiding lying down immediately after the meal can help the gastric contents stay within the stomach for more time to initiate and progress the digestion process.
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Lie-Down on Inclines - For some people, heartburn worsens on lying down. Lying down on inclines by raising the head or using a pillow may help in such cases.
How to Treat Acidity?
Heartburn can be treated by over-the-counter medications called antacids. Antacids can neutralize the acid and can relieve the symptoms. In addition, histamine receptor blockers (H2 blockers) like Cimetidine and proton pump inhibitors like Omeprazole may also help.
Consulting the doctor is essential if acidity occurs frequently, and medications must be taken regularly to relieve the symptoms. Swallowing issues and disturbed sleep due to acid reflux should also be treated. The symptoms may also be due to severe complications like esophageal cancer, hiatal hernia (a condition where a stomach part gets pushed upwards), or Barrett's esophagus or BE (A condition where frequent exposure to acidic contents leads to damage in the lining of the intestine). Therefore, the symptoms should be closely observed, diagnosed, and treated promptly.
Conclusion
Acidity can happen to any person, but the symptoms become more intense and frequent with age. Following a healthy lifestyle by eating good food and taking prompt medical help can assist in getting relief. In addition, staying active and moderating smoking and alcohol consumption positively changes overall health.
