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Symptoms of acidity or GERD
- Heartburn Excessive burping
- Regurgitation
- Nausea
- Difficulty to swallow
- Wearing away of tooth enamel
It is best to get your acidity test done if you are experiencing these symptoms. If tests and treatment are not done on time, the symptoms may worsen and even result in graver ailments.
Why is the acidity test important?
In normal conditions acidity can be controlled by taking medications such as commonly available antacids. It is also a common practice to consume household items such as ajwain or fennel. But if the problem persists an acidity test becomes necessary. After taking the acidity test, it is advised that you follow up with your doctor and take the necessary steps.
What does normally cause acidity or GERD?
There may be biological or food-related causes for acidity.
There is a circular band of muscle at the end of your esophagus called lower esophageal sphincter (LES). It relaxes and opens when you swallow food and then it immediately closes. An acid reflux happens when the LES doesn’t close properly and the acid (produced by your stomach to break down and digest food particles) comes up from your stomach and reaches the esophagus.
Other than that, the following food eating habits may also cause acidity:
- Lying down immediately after taking a big meal.
- Eating just before bedtime. Being overweight or obese.
- Excessively eating acid-producing food items such as citrus fruits, chocolate, garlic, tomato, onions, mint, or spicy and fatty foods.
- Too much consumption of caffeinated beverages.
- Drinking alcohol. Smoking.
- Pregnancy.
Sometimes, a severe heartburn may make you feel that you’re having a heart attack.
Hence, it is important that you get an acidity test done just to eliminate the possibilities of a heart problem. Regular checkups can help you avoid visits to the emergency.
How is an acidity test done?
An acidity test is done by collecting fluid from your stomach. A tube is inserted into your stomach through the esophagus (food pipe). Preferably, you need to fast so that when a sample is collected, mostly fluid remains in your stomach.
To further aid the test, a hormone called gastrin may be injected into your body. This helps find out the ability of yourself in the stomach to release acid.