80 per cent people experience stomachacidity at least once in lifetime: Dr Omar

Rawalpindi
Renowned gastroenterologists highlighted the causes, symptoms treatment and prevention of stomach acidity in a seminar titled ‘Effects of Stomach Acidity on Daily Life’, which was organised by Mir Khalil ur Rehman Memorial Society, Jang Group of Newspapers.
The seminar was held on Friday at a local hotel in collaboration with Shaigan Pharmaceuticals (private) limited. Number of experts discussed in detail the major causes of acidity, heartburn and number of problems related with this problem. Patients, medical students, professors and general public attended the seminar in a big gathering and asked questions directly from the experts. The seminar was aptly conducted by Senior Sub Editor Wasif Nagi from Jang Group. The experts included renowned gastroenterologists from the hospitals of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
The panellists at the seminar included Prof. Javed Aslam Butt, Prof. Mohammad Omar, Dr. Major General Tassawar Hussain, Prof. Bushra Kahaar, Prof. Brig. Dr. Falak Sher Bhatti, Dr. Junaid Saleem, Dr. Naghman Bashir and Lt. Col. Sabir Mahmood Khan.
Renowned gastroenterologist Prof. Mohammad Omar revealed the symptoms about acidity that 80% people experience the stomach acidity at least once in their lifetime. “Stomach is our inlet station because whatever we eat, we get the strength from it. The patients who suffer from acidity experience pain in stomach at night, feel nausea, vomit blood and pass stool of black colour. The research reveals that unhygienic food can lead to germs that can stimulate acidity. One needs to wash food and hands before eating anything. Simple balanced food should be consumed instead of fatty, fried and oily food. In our subcontinent we have a habit of eating spicy food that triggers acidity. The quantity of food should also be checked. Tea and coffee also contributes to acidity. Smokers experience three times more acidity than non-smokers. Taking pain killers or analgesics are also main cause of damage to stomach, liver and kidneys. The lifestyles should be changed, since we lead a stressful life no focus is given on quality and balanced food. In this regard Holy Family Hospital has the biggest Stomach and Liver Centre and people can come and get them examined on nominal charges,” he added.
Prof. Dr. Major General Tassawar said that it has been seen that people are very sensitive about their stomach issues, acidity and heartburn. “Actually moderate acidity is useful for digestion and killing the bacteria but the problem arises when it is being produced in large quantity. Usually, the food stays in the stomach for three hours but if the food stays in the stomach for more than six hours then the problem of acidity arises. The posture should be straight after taking the food, because if one bends its stomach forward while sitting then the chances of acid running up the trachea is strong. Acidity if not controlled can lead to ulcers and cancer of the stomach,” he said.
Dr. Bushra Kahaar said that every person experiences acidity in their lifetime. “The stomach lining can get inflamed by frequent surges of acidity. The patients experience depression, fatigue and lethargy and face mental problems. Getting their endoscopy done can solve their worries whether it is severe condition or not. Our first defence is the acid of the stomach. Allah has made this mechanism that if we take three meals a day then our systems adapts the same system. We have to reduce the intake of food so that the process of digestion quickly takes place. Fizzy drinks, alcohol, smoking and stress increases acidity. Dinner should be taken two hours before sleeping,” she said.
Prof. Falak Sher Bhatti said that one does not need to miss any food but only cut down the regular food intake into half. “Just eat half of what you eat. A proper combination of carbohydrates and proteins should be taken. Major portion should be vegetables, salads and then the wheat and protein. Acidity occurs when the valve muscle of the stomach becomes weaker and the acid comes up. We should follow the Hadith of our Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him) that 1/3 portion should be food, 1/3 should be water and 1/3 should be left for air,” he said.
Dr. Junaid Saleem, Naghman Bashir, Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Sabir Mahmood Khan and Prof. Javed Aslam Butt also shared their views on acidity and its impact on daily life followed by a question answer session in which each and every question was answered by experts. Later shields were given to the medical experts by Shaigan Pharmaceuticals.