Vol. 5, Issue 1, Part A (2023)

Context: Acidity is a common medical complaint of gastrointestinal disease. A modern lifestyle brings along with it a host of problems, including acidity and gastrointestinal issues.

Aims: To understand the related symptoms and management of patients diagnosed with acidity by surveying general physicians and gastroenterologists across India.

Settings and Design: A questionnaire-based survey was conducted between May and December 2021 for a duration of 6 months.

Methods and Material: A total of 198 general physicians and gastroenterologists across India were provided a questionnaire via an online link and requested to answer questions about acidity and its symptoms. The answers to the questionnaire were analyzed as summary statistics.

Statistical analysis used: Descriptive analysis

Results: About 34% were diagnosed with GI disorders and 47% of patients with GI disorders were diagnosed with hyperacidity in routine clinical practice. Heartburn/retrosternal pain (92%) was the most common classical symptom of hyperacidity, followed by epigastric pain (85%), and acid reflux (75%), belching/burping (64%), and flatulence (55%). The majority of doctors (68%) reported that antacids were recommended as the first line of treatment for hyperacidity. Around 80% of respondents reported that anesthetic antacids are most relevant or relevant in managing hyperacidity. Most physicians (89.4%) prescribed the anaesthetic antacid formulation containing magnesium hydroxide, dried aluminium hydroxide gel, simethicone, and oxetacaine in their daily practice, and 82.8% reported very good or extremely good experience with its usage.

Conclusions: The survey findings provided insights into understanding the current epidemiology, diagnosis, as well as treatment of hyperacidity across India.

Key Message: Acidity and its related symptoms can strongly influence the quality of life. Early identification and appropriate diagnosis can prevent major complications.