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Acidity & Acid Reflux: Causes, Warning Signs & When to See a Specialist

Frequent heartburn, sour burps, chest burning or a bitter taste may be acid reflux (GERD). Persistent acidity should be evaluated rather than masked with daily antacids.

Medically reviewed by Dr Reeshav Kankan Sarmah, GastroenterologyLast reviewed:

Acid reflux (GERD) and acidity at a Glance

Most common causes

  • Acid reflux (GERD)
  • Irregular or spicy/oily eating
  • Stress
  • Certain medicines
  • H. pylori infection or gastritis

When to seek medical attention

  • Acidity most days
  • Difficulty or pain swallowing
  • Vomiting blood or black stools
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Acidity not relieved by usual medicines

Specialist: Dr Reeshav Kankan Sarmah · Gastroenterology

What is Acid reflux (GERD) and acidity?

Acidity happens when stomach acid causes discomfort — a burning feeling in the chest or upper stomach, sour burps, or a bitter taste. When acid flows back up into the food pipe regularly, it is called acid reflux or GERD. Occasional acidity after a heavy or spicy meal is common. But frequent acidity, or symptoms that need antacids almost daily, deserve proper evaluation, because ongoing reflux can irritate the food pipe and there are effective, lasting treatments.

Common Causes

Acid Reflux / GERD

  • • Chest or upper-stomach burning
  • • Sour or bitter taste
  • • Worse lying down or after meals

Diet & Lifestyle

  • • Spicy, oily or irregular meals
  • • Late-night eating
  • • Tea/coffee
  • • Smoking or alcohol

Gastritis / H. pylori

  • • Burning stomach pain
  • • Bloating
  • • Nausea
  • • Discomfort that improves or worsens with food

Stress & Medicines

  • • Acidity that flares with stress
  • • Certain painkillers irritating the stomach

Tired of daily antacids? Get to the cause with our specialist.

Symptoms That Should Not Be Ignored

  • Difficulty or pain when swallowing
  • Vomiting blood or black, tarry stools
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Chest pain (always rule out heart causes urgently)
  • Acidity that does not improve with usual treatment

How Doctors Evaluate Acid reflux (GERD) and acidity

Your consultation may include: a detailed history of your symptoms, diet and medicines, examination, tests for H. pylori infection when relevant, and an endoscopy (a quick look into the food pipe and stomach) when warning signs are present or symptoms persist. The aim is lasting relief, not just temporary control.

Available Care at Healthwrx

Acidity and heartburn
Acid reflux (GERD)
Gastritis and H. pylori
Bloating and indigestion
Abdominal pain
Endoscopy evaluation when needed
Diet and lifestyle guidance

Meet the Specialist

Dr Reeshav Kankan Sarmah, Gastroenterology specialist at Healthwrx Guwahati

Dr Reeshav Kankan Sarmah

Gastroenterology

MBBS, MD, DrNB · 10+ years

Specialist in gastroenterology with comprehensive care approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Acid reflux (GERD) and acidity Care in Guwahati

Patients from GS Road, Dispur, Ganeshguri, Six Mile, Beltola, Chandmari, Ulubari and Christian Basti can consult our Gastroenterology specialist at Healthwrx. Lasting digestive care close to home.

Related Pages

Concerned about acid reflux (gerd) and acidity?

Book an appointment with our gastroenterology specialist today.

Common Questions

When is acidity a warning sign?

Acidity with difficulty swallowing, vomiting blood, black stools or weight loss needs prompt evaluation.

Which doctor treats acidity and acid reflux?

A gastroenterologist diagnoses and treats acidity, acid reflux (GERD) and related digestive problems.

Can acid reflux be cured?

Reflux is usually well controlled with treatment and lifestyle changes, and many people become symptom-free.

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