Definition.-A disordered condition of the stomach, in which an abnormal quantity of acid is secreted. The symptoms are: Heat in the pit of the stomach, sour risings into the mouth, and sour taste in the mouth.
Diagnosis. Acidity is a form of dyspepsia, and it may be uncomplicated. In that case it may be treated as an isolated disease. When it is only a symptom of disease of the stomach, the complicating symptoms as wasting, loss of strength, and abdominal pains, will show what is the nature of the disease, and the patient will have to be treated according to the totality of the symptoms.
General Treatment.-Avoidance of fat, sugar, and starchy foods. Copious draughts of hot or cold water are sometimes of service.
Medicines.-(Two or three times a day until relief is obtained.)
Calcarea carb. 6.-
The most generally useful medicine; especially indicated if the patient is pale, has cold, damp feet, and tendency to perspire about the head.
Argent. nit.6.-Pain at the stomach, with eructation of wind, which gives relief.
Lycopodium 6.
Constipation with much flatulence, dark-coloured urine; symptoms worse from 4-8 p.m.
Sulph. 6.-
Sinking at pit of the stomach about 11 or 12 in the morning; hot flushings; constipation, or diarrhoea driving the patient out of bed in the morning. See also HEARTBURN and WATERBRASH;and under PREGNANCY: Heartburn.
Professor of Materia Medica in the University of Michigan Homeopathic Medical College. Member of American Institute of Homeopathy. In addition to his editoral work he authored or collaborated on: Boericke and Dewey's Twelve Tissue Remedies, Essentials of Homeopathic Materia Medica, Essentials of Homeopathic Therapeutics and Practical Homeopathic Therapeutics.