Acidity, acid reflux (GERD) and gastritis are extremely common, and most of the time they're driven by diet, lifestyle and sometimes an H. pylori infection. The discomfort is real — burning, regurgitation, bloating — but staying on acid-suppressing pills for years is not the goal.
The right approach is to confirm it's ordinary reflux (and not something that needs a closer look), treat any underlying cause, and then step the medicines down rather than refilling them indefinitely.
Reflux and gastritis overlap; these are the common complaints.
A burning feeling rising up behind the breastbone, often after meals.
Acid or food coming back up into the throat or mouth.
A gnawing or burning pain in the upper tummy (gastritis).
Feeling full quickly, with belching and discomfort.
Symptoms that flare at night or when you lie down after eating.
A chronic throat irritation, hoarseness or night cough.
Usually a mix of habits, sometimes an infection or a medicine.
Irregular meals, large or late dinners, spicy, fried and oily food.
All relax the valve at the top of the stomach or irritate the lining.
Genuinely worsen acidity for many people.
Raises pressure on the stomach and promotes reflux.
A common stomach bacterium behind much gastritis and ulcers.
Frequent anti-inflammatory painkillers irritate the stomach lining.
Most acidity is harmless, but these features need prompt assessment, usually with an endoscopy.
For typical, uncomplicated symptoms, a careful history is often enough to start. The job is to spot the small number that need a closer look and to find a treatable cause where there is one.
The plan is to settle symptoms, treat any underlying cause, and then reduce reliance on acid-suppressing tablets rather than continue them on autopilot.
“Dr. Manuj Sondhi is extremely knowledgeable, patient and professional. He took the time to listen carefully to every concern and explained the treatment clearly — the whole experience was very reassuring.”
“He explains the diagnosis and treatment very clearly, which gives real confidence and comfort. I truly appreciated his ethical and effective approach.”