Acidity


Heart burn is one of the most common symptoms seen in about 5% of the Indian population. It is characterized by a BURNING SENSATION IN THE CHEST AFTER MEALS. It may be accompanied by sour eructations or food coming back into the mouth. Sometimes the distress is so severe that this condition is mistaken for a heart attack.
Cause of Heart Burn:
Heart burn is caused by reflux of the food and acid from the stomach to the food pipe. The root cause is inappropriate relaxation of the valve between the food pipe and the stomach.
Complications of Acidity ( Reflux ) :

  • Repeated episodes of reflux of acid into the food pipe can cause
  • Ulcers in the food pipe.
  • Bleeding from ulcers of the food pipe.
  • Berrett’s Esophigus which can lead to cancer of the food pipe.
  • Increased cough in asthmatic patients.

Diagnosis :
A comprehensive diagnosis is the first step towards the right treatment. The complications because of reflux of acid can be easily diagnosed by a simple test known as ENDOSCOPY In this process a small 9mm wide camera mounted over a tube goes into the food pipe and the stomach, which makes the whole area visible on a T.V. Monitor.
Care and Guidance :
This is a common disease but can lead to fatal complications. So early diagnosis and treatment are desirable. However, The general guidelines are :

  • Avoid fried and fatty foods.
  • Consume less water with meals.
  • Do not sleep / lie down / bend / stoop immediately after taking meals. Go for a walk.
  • Avoid smoking.
  • Avoid citrus fruits, excess of tea and coffee.
Latest Publications
Profile
dr rajeev jayadevan

Dr Rajeev Jayadevan completed his MBBS and MD General Medicine with top honours from Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore in 1995. He received training in Clinical Epidemiology and Public Health from Erasmus University, Rotterdam, Netherlands. He was awarded MRCP (UK) from England in 1996. He obtained Board Certification in Medicine and Gastroenterology (Fellowship) from New York Medical College, and spent 3 years in the UK and 10 years in the US before returning to his hometown of Cochin. He has extensive international experience of performing over 20,000 endoscopies, in addition to research and publications. He established the department of Gastroenterology at Sunrise Hospital, Cochin in 2009.
His academic track record is exceptional. He was the Kerala state SSLC second rank holder in 1984, Kerala state Medical entrance first rank holder in 1986 and Kerala state Engineering entrance 4th rank holder in 1986.

read more