Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Dec 15: Antacids have become a quick-fix solution for complaints ranging from heartburn and bloating to vague stomach discomfort. Cheap, easily available and often considered harmless, they promise instant relief. However, doctors caution that frequent, unsupervised use may be hiding deeper health problems while silently affecting digestion, immunity and nutrient absorption.

“Recurring acidity is not normal, but many people dismiss it as a minor inconvenience,” said Dr Leelamohan PVR, Consultant Physician at Rainbow & Motherhood Hospitals, Bengaluru, noting a growing number of patients who rely on antacids daily.

Experts attribute the rising use to self-diagnosis and convenience. “Anything happening in the abdomen — and sometimes even headaches or chest discomfort — is labelled as ‘acidity’ by patients,” said Dr Geeta Billa, Director of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital, Powai.

Modern lifestyles further aggravate the issue. Irregular meals, processed foods, excessive tea, coffee, alcohol and tobacco consumption, stress and late-night eating increase acid production and reflux. Instead of addressing the root causes, many people opt for quick symptomatic relief, delaying proper diagnosis.

Doctors stress that antacids are meant for occasional use, not daily dependence. Repeated need over weeks or months may indicate chronic gastritis or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Suppressing stomach acid for long periods can disturb digestion, lead to bloating and gut imbalance, and even cause rebound acidity when the medication is stopped abruptly.

Stomach acid also plays a crucial role in killing harmful bacteria and aiding nutrient absorption. Prolonged antacid or proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use can reduce absorption of vitamin B12, iron, magnesium and calcium, increasing the risk of anaemia, nerve problems, muscle cramps and weakened bones, especially in older adults.

Physicians are also seeing a rise in gut infections, rebound acidity and kidney-related concerns linked to long-term use. Serious infections such as Clostridium difficile and bacterial overgrowth are more likely when stomach acid remains consistently low, doctors said.

Older adults, people with obesity, chronic painkiller users and frequent self-medicators are considered high-risk groups. Warning signs include needing higher doses, rapid return of symptoms, persistent throat burning, bloating, fatigue or bone pain. Red flags such as unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, black stools or anaemia require immediate medical attention.

Doctors recommend lifestyle changes such as eating smaller, regular meals, avoiding late-night dinners, limiting spicy and oily foods, caffeine and alcohol, maintaining a gap between dinner and sleep, and managing stress through physical activity, yoga or meditation.

“Acidity medicines are like any other drugs — they need a diagnosis,” Dr Billa said. “Acid is made for a reason. Used correctly, these medicines help. Used casually and long-term, they carry real health risks.”