Indigestion
Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, refers to discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen. It often occurs during or after eating and can include symptoms like bloating, gas, nausea, and a feeling of fullness. While occasional indigestion is common and not usually a cause for concern, persistent or severe indigestion may indicate an underlying digestive problem. If you experience frequent indigestion, contact Digestive System Healthcare to consult with our specialists for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
What are the causes of indigestion?
Indigestion can be triggered by various factors, including:
- Dietary habits:
- Eating too quickly or overeating
- Consuming high-fat, spicy, or greasy foods
- Drinking excessive amounts of caffeine, alcohol, or carbonated beverages
- Lifestyle factors:
- Smoking
- Stress and anxiety
- Medical conditions:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Peptic ulcers
- Gallstones
- Helicobacter pylori infection
- Pancreatitis
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Medications:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Certain antibiotics
- Aspirin
What are the symptoms of indigestion?
Common symptoms of indigestion include:
- Pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen
- Bloating and feeling of fullness
- Belching and gas
- Nausea and vomiting
- Acidic taste in the mouth
- Heartburn (burning sensation in the chest)
- Feeling excessively full during or after a meal
How can you relieve indigestion?
Managing indigestion often involves lifestyle and dietary changes. Some effective strategies include:
- Adjusting your diet:
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of large ones.
- Avoid trigger foods and drinks that cause symptoms.
- Reduce intake of fatty, spicy, or greasy foods.
- Limit caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated beverages.
- Improving eating habits:
- Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly.
- Avoid lying down immediately after eating.
- Stay upright for at least two to three hours after meals.
- Managing stress:
- Practice stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, or meditation.
- Lifestyle changes:
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Quit smoking.
- Using over-the-counter medications:
- Antacids to neutralize stomach acid.
- H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce acid production.
- Prokinetics to help the stomach empty more quickly.
When should you seek medical help for indigestion?
It’s important to seek medical attention if you experience:
- Severe or persistent indigestion
- Unexplained weight loss
- Difficulty swallowing
- Frequent vomiting
- Blood in vomit or stool
- Signs of a heart attack, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or pain radiating to the arm, neck, or jaw
For more information about managing indigestion and its underlying causes, contact Digestive System Healthcare to schedule a consultation with our specialists.