Hyperacidity is also called GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease) or acid reflux in which the acid which is secreted in the stomach flows back into the esophagus. This flowing back of the acid in the esophagus causes discomfort and can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
Normally hydrochloric acid is secreted inside the stomach after the food comes in, which inturn helps in digestion. This acid does not flow back in the esophagus as there is a sphincter at the lower end of the esophagus. In hyperacidity this sphincter does not close completely which causes the acid to flow into the esophagus.
Causes of GERD: There are various factors contributing to hyperacidity which are as follows:
Hiatus hernia: Hiatus hernia occurs when a small part of the stomach pushes into the chest cavity through the diaphragm.
Obesity: Abdominal pressure increases due to excess weight leading to acid reflux.
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Lifestyle modifications like untimely meals, eating more junk and sugary foods with lack of sleep and rest can lead to hyperacidity in the long run.
Mental stress and anxiety can cause hyperacidity.
Certain medications taken for a prolonged period of time can also lead to hyperacidity.
Pregnancy.
Symptoms of GERD:
Typical acidic or sour taste in mouth
Heartburn
Regurgitation
Chest pain
Loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Episodes of belching and burping
Hoarseness of Voice: Chronic regurgitation of acid in throat can lead to hoarseness of voice.
Coughing: A persistent cough, especially at night, may be associated with acid reflux.
Homeopathic treatment:
Homeopathic medicines are prescribed after detailed case taking along with lifestyle modifications taken into consideration. Homeopathy treats any disease from the root cause. These medicines are safer and effective for hyperacidity. Patients observe considerable changes in 6 weeks time duration and get treated in 8-10 months of treatment. Time duration of treatment may vary from patient to patient. Homeopathic medicines act best when complete history of the patient is taken into consideration.
Commonly prescribed Homeopathic medicines are:
Carbo veg: It is one of the common medicines prescribed for hyperacidity where there is pain in abdomen due to distension of the abdomen.
Iris versicolor: Burning in the whole alimentary tract. Nausea and vomiting is present with profuse salivation.
Lycopodium: Digestive disturbances due to eating fermented food, beans etc. There is a desire for sweets. There is a sour taste in the mouth. Eating even a small quantity causes bloating in the abdomen.
Magnesium carbonicum: Sour eructations and vomiting of bitter water. This medicine is especially suited to people who have a lot of worries. There are neuralgic pains all over the body.
Natrum phos: Acidity usually arises after eating sweets and having sour taste and eructations in mouth.
Nux Vomica: It is one of the best medicines for hyperacidity which arises from mental anxiety due to overwork and night watching. These people have a sedentary lifestyle.
Robinia: There is great distension of the abdomen with pain. Also, there is nausea, sour eructations and vomiting.
These are the few commonly prescribed medicines but Homeopathic medicines should always be taken after medical advice. These medications after proper consultation can give long term results.
