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Indigestion, also known as upset stomach or dyspepsia, is discomfort
or a burning feeling in the upper abdomen, often accompanied by nausea,
abdominal bloating, belching, and sometimes vomiting. Some people also
use the term indigestion to describe the symptom of heartburn.
While indigestion may be caused by a disease in the digestive tract such
as ulcer or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), most of the time for many
people, it's simply the result of
- Eating too much,
- Eating too quickly,
- Eating
foods high is low quality fat, or
- Eating during stressful situations.
Smoking,
drinking too much alcohol, using medications that irritate the stomach
lining, being tired, and having ongoing stress can also cause
indigestion or make it worse.
There are some folk who have persistent indigestion that is not related to any
of these factors. This type of indigestion— called functional or
nonulcer dyspepsia— may be caused by a problem in the muscular squeezing
action of the stomach (motility).
To diagnose indigestion, the doctor might perform tests for
problems, like ulcers. In the process of diagnosis, a person may have x-rays of the stomach and small intestine or undergo endoscopy, in which
the doctor uses an instrument to look at the inside of the stomach.
Avoiding the highly processed and additive rich foods that seem to cause indigestion is oftenthe most successful way to treat it.
In any event, other factors not being obvious, this should be a first step.
Heartburn caused by
acid reflux is usually improved by treatment with antacids,
H2-blockers, or proton pump inhibitors. Smokers can help relieve their
indigestion by quitting smoking, or at least not smoking right before
eating. Exercising with a full stomach may cause indigestion, so
scheduling exercise before a meal or at least an hour afterward might
help.
To treat indigestion caused by a functional problem in the digestive
tract, the doctor may prescribe medicine that affects stomach motility.
Because indigestion can be a sign of, or mimic, a more serious disease, people should see a doctor if they have
- vomiting, weight loss, or appetite loss
- black tarry stools or blood in vomit
- severe pain in the upper right abdomen
- discomfort unrelated to eating
- indigestion accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, or pain radiating to the jaw, neck, or arm
- symptoms that persist for more than 2 weeks
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