India, April 4 -- That burning sensation after a heavy meal might feel like a minor inconvenience. Still, a specialist is issuing a stern warning: ignoring persistent acidity can lead to life-threatening multi-system organ failure. Also read | Nutritionist shares 5 foods and drinks to reduce chronic acidity: Ginger water to oatmeal

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Nikhil Shellagi, consultant, surgical gastroenterology and robotic surgery, Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bengaluru, cautioned that the habit of dismissing gastric distress with over-the-counter (OTC) meds is masking a growing health crisis.

"For most, it is an occasional inconvenience, such as a burning feeling after an overindulgent meal, dismissed with over-the-counter ...