Introduction
Hyperacidity/ Retrosternal Burning (Hurqat-e- Me’da) is one of the commonest disease seen in people of all ages. It affects both sexes, all classes and communities. It is a medical condition, wherein acid levels of the stomach are much more than normal. Some of the peculiar symptoms of the hyperacidity (Hurqat-e- me’da) are epigastric and retrosternal burning either at full or empty stomach, nausea, vomiting and abdominal discomfort. It causes uneasiness along with other symptoms like loss of appetite, heartburn, unexpected stomach pain etc.
Causes of Hyperacidity (Hurqat-e- Me’da)
According to Unani system of medicine, it is mainly caused by Ghiza-e- Ghaleez Kham (Diet that is partially cooked and hard to digest), pouring of irritants, sour black bile, and bilious fluid on stomach.
As per Unani classical texts, some other important causes of hyperacidity (Hurqat-e- me’da) are taking foods that don't match body constitution or those aren't supposed to take medically good, like milk and salt or milk and fish, extremely spicy and sour beverages and foods, white flour products, products made from white sugar, and fatty foods.
Taking food even though some one is suffering from indigestion, smoking, controlling the urge to urinate or pass stool, prolonged exposure to heat and sunlight, eating large meals or lying down specially on your back just after a meal, being overweight or obese, eating partially or uncooked food, taking snacks at bedtime, eating certain items such as citrus fruits, tomato, chocolate, mint, garlic, onion etc.
A part from above, some other causes mostly noticed are, drinking certain beverages, such as alcohol, carbonated drinks, coffee, or tea, taking aspirin and ibuprofen during pregnancy, certain muscle relaxants, or blood pressure medications.
Prolonged use of Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (pain killers), taking insufficient sleep at night, stressful life style, excessive anxiety, worry, jealousy, anger, fear, Job dissatisfaction etc are other important factors responsible for hyperacidity (Hurqat-e- me,da).
Signs and Symptoms of Hyperacidity(Hurqat-e- Me’da)
According to Unani medicine, some important signs and symptoms of hyperacidity (Hurqat-e- me,da) are, heart and chest burn (Retrosternal burning), sometimes chest pain, Nausea, Throat burn, Sour or bitter belching, Regurgitation of food or vomiting of sour substance, Heaviness /Pain in abdomen, Gaseous distension of abdomen, Indigestion, Aversion towards food. Headache, Foul smelling loose motions. Bad breath, Thirst, Mouth ulcer, Fatigue (especially in legs), Tiredness, Severe burning sensation over feet, hands, Fainting, Giddiness, Itching all over the body etc.
Usoole-e- Ilaj (Principles of Treatment)
Ilaj Bil Dawa (Pharmacotherapy)
Unani Home-made Remedies
Some Useful Compound Unani Drugs
Ilaj Bil Tadbeer (Regimenal Therapy)
Dietary Recommendations
Dietary Restriction
Tahaffuz (Prevention/ Precaution)
Some Useful tips to avoid/ Prevent hyperacidity (Hurqat-e- me’da)
According to Unani philosophy, Prevention is better than cure. It is better to avoid all the causative factors of hyperacidity (Hurqat-e- me’da). To keep this problem at bay, certain dietary modifications and lifestyle changes are suggested. These are as follows.
Complications
If not treated timely and properly or if unhealthy diet habits, regimens and lifestyle continued, it may lead to some other diseases like, gastric Ulcer, chronic Gastritis, duodenitis, irritable bowel syndrome, mal-absorption, anemia, peptic stenosis etc.
Note: Drugs should be taken under the advice of the qualified Unani physician. The patients are required to follow strict Unani regimen for optimum results.
References