Heartburn, bloating and feeling full after a meal can have several causes. Here’s how to tell acidity, indigestion and gastroparesis apart and when to see a doctor

That feeling of heaviness after a meal, frequent bloating or a burning sensation in the chest is often dismissed as ‘just acidity’. While occasional digestive discomfort is common, recurring symptoms may sometimes indicate that something more than excess acid is affecting the way your stomach functions.

Many people use the terms acidity, indigestion and stomach problems interchangeably. However, these conditions are different and understanding the difference can help in identifying the right approach towards managing them.

What is acidity

What most people refer to as acidity is usually related to acid reflux or heartburn. It occurs when stomach contents flow backwards towards the food pipe, resulting in irritation.