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![Indigestion Indigestion](https://www.medicoverhospitals.in/images/articles/indigestion.webp)
What is Indigestion?
Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, happens to most people sometimes. It can make your stomach feel uncomfortable or too full.
When it's severe, it can cause:
When your stomach feels uncomfortable after eating, it might be a sign of a bigger issue like GERD, ulcers, or problems with your gallbladder rather than just a stomach problem on its own. Sometimes, people call this feeling 'dyspepsia.' It's like a pain or discomfort in the upper part of your belly, which can sometimes feel like heartburn.
But heartburn is a different kind of pain that makes your upper chest hurt. Almost everyone gets heartburn sometimes. Bad eating habits or ongoing stomach problems can cause indigestion.
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Get A Second OpinionWhat are the symptoms of indigestion?
Most experts tend to agree on the symptoms of indigestion, which are:
- Bloating
- Belching and gas
- Nausea and vomiting
- An acidic taste in your mouth
- Fullness during or after a meal
- Growling stomach
- Burning in your stomach or upper belly
- Belly pain
What causes indigestion?
There are many possible causes of indigestion. These may vary from what you eat and how you live to the effects of medicines and even serious health issues.
- Ulcers
- GERD
- Gastroparesis
- Stomach infections
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Pancreatitis, an inflamed pancreas
- Thyroid disease
How to Diagnose indigestion?
Your doctor will likely begin by asking about your medical history and diet. They'll also do a physical exam. Sometimes, they might suggest X-rays to look for issues in your stomach or take samples to check for bacteria that can cause ulcers. If needed, they might do an endoscopy to check your upper digestive tract.
During an endoscopy, a small tube with a camera is inserted into your oesophagus and stomach to check for any issues in the lining of your digestive tract. Tissue samples may also be collected. You'll receive light sedation for comfort during this procedure.
The following conditions can be diagnosed with an upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy:
- Reflux esophagitis
- Ulcers
- Inflammatory diseases
- Infection cancer
Risks Factors of indigestion:
Indigestion affects both men and women of all ages. It is extremely common. A person's risk increases with:
- Excess alcohol consumption
- Use of medicines that can irritate the stomach, such as aspirin and other pain relievers.
- Conditions in which the digestive tract is abnormal, such as an ulcer
- Emotional problems, such as anxiety or depression.
When to See Doctor?
Because indigestion can be a sign of a more serious health problem, it's important to inform your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms:
- Vomiting or blood in your vomit.
- Weight loss you can’t explain.
- Loss of appetite
- Stools that are bloody, black, or tarry
- Severe pain in your upper-right belly
- Pain in the upper- or lower-right parts of your belly
- Feeling uncomfortable even if you haven’t eaten
Treatment options for indigestion:
To help ease indigestion, your healthcare provider may suggest the following indigestion treatment options:
- Avoiding foods that make your indigestion worse.
- Eating smaller meals throughout the day instead of three big ones.
- Cutting down on or stopping alcohol and caffeine.
- Steering clear of certain pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), and naproxen sodium (Aleve).
- Finding other medicines if the ones you're taking cause indigestion.
- Managing stress and anxiety.
If your indigestion doesn't improve, medications might help. The first choice is usually nonprescription antacids. Other options include:
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can lower stomach acid. If you also have heartburn, PPIs might be suggested.
- H-2-receptor blockers also lower stomach acid.
- Prokinetics, which can help if your stomach takes a long time to empty.
- Antibiotics can treat indigestion caused by H. pylori bacteria.
- Antidepressants or anti-anxiety meds might reduce discomfort from indigestion by making you feel less pain.
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Book an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
You might feel mild to muscular pain in the area between your breastbone and bellybutton, a burning sensation in the upper abdomen, or bloating there.
Indigestion is a chronic disease that usually lasts for years, if not a lifetime. However, it shows periodicity, which means that symptoms can be more frequent or severe for days, weeks, or months and then less frequent or severe for days, weeks, or months.
Mild indigestion is not usually a cause for concern. Consult your doctor if the discomfort persists for more than two weeks. Contact your doctor immediately if the pain is severe or accompanied by Unintentional weight loss or loss of appetite.
It can be caused by stomach acid contacting the sensitive, protective lining of the digestive system (mucosa). Stomach acid breaks down the lining, causing irritation and inflammation, which can be painful.
Nothing flushes toxins out of the body like a cup of warm water. It also helps break down food and energizes the digestive system, making it easier to digest. If you have stomach-related problems like constipation, heartburn, or even a cold, keep drinking warm water for more relief.
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