The Hidden Dangers of Ignoring Acidity: A Call to Seek Medical Advice

Reaching for an antacid has become almost as routine as drinking a cup of tea. For many people, acidity is seen as a harmless daily discomfort, something to suppress and move on from. But this common habit hides a dangerous misunderstanding. Acidity is not a disease; it is a symptom, and ignoring what causes it can have serious consequences. Dr Vipulroy Rathod, Director, Gastroenterology, Institute of GastroSciences, Fortis Hospital Mulund, Mumbai, shares all you need to know: In simple terms, acidity works much like fever. Fever itself is not an illness; it is a signal that something is not quite right. Similarly, recurring acidity is the body’s way of raising an alarm. Treating it repeatedly with over-the-counter (OTC) antacids without understanding the cause is like taking a painkiller every day without addressing the real problem. Various factors can lead to increased acidity, such as infections in the stomach or intestines, poor glucose control due to diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, fungal infections, gallbladder stone formation, and long-term alcohol or tobacco use. In some cases, acidity may also be an early sign of serious medical conditions such as stomach or colon cancer. Repeated use of antacids can suppress symptoms of these underlying conditions until they are detected by medical professionals, often at a stage when treatment becomes more complex. The rising use of antacids and acid-neutralising agents has raised concerns about how frequently people take them without medical guidance. Many individuals use these medications repeatedly over several days, weeks, or even months without consulting a doctor. Although these medicines may relieve symptoms, they do not address the underlying issue. In fact, long-term misuse can delay diagnosis and worsen outcomes. One clear message needs to be understood: acidity that lasts more than two weeks, even after treatment, should never be ignored. At this point, a proper medical evaluation becomes essential. Basic investigations such as blood tests, abdominal sonography, and endoscopy help doctors accurately identify the root cause. These tests are an effective way to detect problems before they worsen. There is also a growing trend of younger adults being diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Symptoms such as acid reflux, gas, bloating, rectal bleeding, and chronic digestive trouble are often dismissed by people in their 20s and 30s. Delayed diagnosis can result in the disease being detected at a later stage, when treatment becomes more difficult. Early screening significantly improves the chances of identifying and managing health issues effectively, and in some cases, even preventing them. The focus should always be on addressing the root cause rather than merely treating the symptom. If acidity is due to an infection, it requires targeted treatment. If it is linked to lifestyle habits, those habits must be corrected. If it signals a deeper disease, early detection can save lives. Digestive symptoms are common, but they are not always normal. Persistent acidity, indigestion, or discomfort should be treated as warning signs, not inconveniences. The solution is simple: be mindful of your symptoms and seek medical advice. A timely check-up can prevent a serious illness from developing into a debilitating or life-threatening condition.