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Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia or an upset stomach, is pain in the upper abdomen. Indigestion, rather than a specific disease, refers to symptoms such as abdominal pain and a feeling of fullness soon after eating. Indigestion is also a symptom of several digestive diseases.
Indigestion is common, but each person may experience it in a slightly different way. Indigestion symptoms can occur infrequently or on a daily basis.
Indigestion is frequently relieved by dietary changes and medications.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF INDIGESTION?
You could have the following symptoms if you have indigestion:
- Early fullness during a meal: You haven't finished much of your meal yet, but you're already feeling full and may not be able to finish it.
- Uncomfortable fullness following a meal: The sensation of being full lasts longer than it should.
- Discomfort in the upper abdomen: You are experiencing mild to severe pain between the bottom of your breastbone and your bellybutton.
- Burning in the upper abdomen: Between the bottom of your breastbone and your bellybutton, you feel an unpleasant heat or burning sensation.
- Bloating in the upper abdomen: You have an uneasy feeling of tightness in your upper abdomen.
- Nausea: You have the urge to vomit.
Vomiting and belching are less common signs and symptoms.
Heartburn can occur in people who have indigestion. Heartburn is characterized by a pain or burning sensation in the center of your chest that may radiate into your neck or back during or after eating.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF INDIGESTION?
There are numerous causes of indigestion. Indigestion is frequently caused by a change in lifestyle and can be triggered by food, drink, or medication. Indigestion can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Overeating or eating too fast
- Foods that are fatty, greasy, or spicy
- Caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, or carbonated beverages in excess
- Smoking
- Anxiety
- Certain antibiotics, pain relievers, and iron supplements
A common cause of indigestion is functional or nonulcer dyspepsia, which is related to irritable bowel syndrome.
Other conditions that can cause indigestion include:
- Stomach inflammation (gastritis)
- Peptic ulcers
- Celiac disease
- Gallstones
- Constipation
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disease
- Pregnancy
- Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
- Cancer of the stomach
- Intestinal blockage
- Reduced blood flow in the intestine (intestinal ischemia)
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF INDIGESTION?
Although indigestion rarely causes serious complications, it can have an impact on your quality of life by making you feel uneasy and causing you to eat less. Because of your symptoms, you may be unable to work or attend school.
HOW IS INDIGESTION DIAGNOSED?
Your doctor will most likely begin with a thorough physical exam and a health history. If your indigestion is mild and you are not experiencing certain symptoms, such as weight loss and repeated vomiting, these evaluations may suffice.
However, if your indigestion started suddenly, you have severe symptoms, or you are over the age of 55, your doctor may recommend:
- Laboratory tests to rule out anemia or other metabolic problems.
- Breath and stool tests to look for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), the bacterium linked to peptic ulcers and indigestion.
- Endoscopy, which is used to look for abnormalities in the upper digestive tract, especially in older people who have more persistent symptoms. A biopsy (tissue sample) may be taken for analysis.
- Imaging tests (X-rays or CT scans) to rule out intestinal obstruction or other problems.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR INDIGESTION?
Changes in lifestyle may help alleviate indigestion. Your doctor may advise you to:
- Avoiding indigestion-causing foods
- Eating five or six small meals per day rather than three large ones
- Finding alternatives to indigestion-causing medications
- Stress and anxiety management
- Caffeine and alcohol consumption should be reduced or eliminated.
- Certain pain relievers, such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, and others), and naproxen sodium, should be avoided (Aleve)
If your indigestion persists, medications may be of assistance. Antacids sold over the counter are usually the first choice. Other alternatives include:
- PPIs (proton pump inhibitors), which can lower stomach acid. PPIs may be prescribed, especially if you have heartburn and indigestion.
- H-2 receptor blockers, which can also lower stomach acid.
- Prokinetics, which may be beneficial if your stomach empties slowly.
- Antibiotics, which may be beneficial if the H. pylori bacteria is causing your indigestion.
- Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications, which may alleviate indigestion discomfort by decreasing your perception of pain.
HOME REMEDIES FOR INDIGESTION
Mild indigestion is frequently alleviated by lifestyle changes such as:
- Eating more frequent, smaller meals: Slowly and thoroughly chew your food.
- Keeping triggers at bay: Indigestion can be caused by fatty and spicy foods, processed foods, carbonated beverages, caffeine, alcohol, and smoking.
- Keeping a healthy weight: Excess weight puts strain on your abdomen, pushing your stomach up and causing acid to back up into your esophagus.
- Regular exercise: Exercise aids in the loss of excess weight and promotes better digestion.
- Stress management: At mealtime, create a calm environment. Deep breathing, meditation, or yoga are examples of relaxation techniques. Spend time doing activities that you enjoy. Get enough sleep.
- Changing your medications: Stop or reduce the use of pain relievers or other medications that may irritate your stomach lining with your doctor's approval. If that isn't an option, take these medications with food.