Think It’s Just Acidity? Your Antacid Pills Could Be Masking A Bigger Digestive Issue

Last Updated:February 09, 2026, 23:47 IST

Frequent acidity could signal bigger gut trouble. Learn the risks of self-medicating and when to consult a gastroenterologist.

Acidity medicines give quick relief, but they don’t always address the real cause of the problem.

A strip of antacids in the bag, a proton pump inhibitor before bed, a quick chewable tablet after a heavy meal – for many Indians, acidity medication has become as routine as brushing their teeth. Heartburn shows up, a pill follows, and life moves on. But that fast relief can be misleading.

What feels like a minor digestive nuisance may actually be the body’s early warning system. And repeatedly silencing it, experts say, could allow deeper gut problems to develop unnoticed. “Acidity medicines like antacids and PPIs give quick relief, but they don’t always address the real cause of the problem. If someone keeps needing these medicines regularly, it may be a sign of an underlying gut issue,” says Dr. Abhinav Sharma, Director – Gastroenterology, CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur.

Echoing this concern, Dr. Shaswata Chatterjee, Gastroenterologist, CK Birla Hospitals-CMRI, Kolkata, adds, “Acidity is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Recurrent symptoms can be associated with conditions such as gastritis, H. pylori infection, peptic ulcer disease, or GERD.”

Relief Vs. Root Cause

Acidity drugs are designed to reduce or neutralise stomach acid, which helps ease burning sensations and discomfort. The problem arises when these medications become a long-term habit rather than a short-term solution. By suppressing acid repeatedly, you may only be muting the signal while the disease continues in the background.

Dr. Sharma explains, “Persistent reliance on these medicines can temporarily silence the warning signs, but the disease continues quietly, potentially leading to complications such as nutrient deficiencies, infections, or worsening reflux.” In simpler terms, the pain may fade, but the problem doesn’t.

When ‘Acidity’ Isn’t Just Acidity

Chronic heartburn or bloating isn’t always caused by spicy food or late dinners. Doctors frequently see patients who self-treat for months, only to discover more complex conditions later. “In everyday practice, we are seeing a clear pattern. Many patients reach a gastroenterologist only after months of treating themselves. By that time, the burning sensation may have reduced with medication, but the underlying disease has continued to develop,” says Dr. Chatterjee.

Common culprits include chronic inflammation of the stomach lining, bacterial infections like H. pylori, ulcers, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In some cases, especially with long-standing symptoms, persistent reflux may even signal more serious pathology.

The Acid Myth

There’s also a widespread misconception that stomach acid is harmful by default. In reality, it’s essential for digestion and for protecting the body against harmful microbes. “Gastric acid is necessary for breaking down food and preventing the growth of microorganisms,” Dr. Chatterjee notes. Long-term, unsupervised use of acid-suppressing drugs may interfere with these natural functions and contribute to nutritional deficiencies or increased susceptibility to infections. Iron, vitamin B12, and calcium absorption can all suffer over time – creating issues that extend far beyond the gut.

Red Flags You Shouldn’t Ignore

Occasional indigestion is normal. A pattern isn’t. Doctors recommend evaluation if symptoms return frequently, disturb sleep, or require regular medication for relief. Warning signs like unexplained weight loss, fatigue, difficulty swallowing, anaemia, or loss of appetite deserve immediate attention. As Dr. Sharma puts it, “Frequent acidity is the body’s way of signaling a deeper gut problem.”

Acidity medicines remain effective and often necessary – but they should be used under medical guidance, not as a permanent fix. Early diagnosis, targeted treatment, and lifestyle changes like mindful eating, weight management, and reducing trigger foods can address the root cause more effectively.