Persistent acidity is usually due to reflux of acid from the stomach into the food pipe or the oesophagus. Mild cases of acidity reflux can usually be managed with lifestyle and dietary modifications. Antacids, H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors may help. However, patients in whom lifestyle management along with empirical treatment is unsuccessful or who have symptoms suggestive of complicated diseases should undergo endoscopy to rule out the cancer of the oesophagus, a condition linked with persistent acidity.
Symptoms that may suggest complicated disease include loss of appetite, loss of weight and difficulty in swallowing food, bleeding and signs of systemic illness. Lifestyle changes for acid reflux involve elevation of head and of the body, avoidance of food before sleep and avoidance of food which relax the lower oesophagal valve. The examples of such foods include fatty food,…
