This often known as dyspepsia or upset stomach, is a feeling of discomfort in the upper part of the stomach caused by digestion. This affects people in a variety of ways, and symptoms might appear on a regular basis or only rarely.Indigestion is frequent but seldom serious. For example, an antacid can typically ease a stomach pain triggered by a heavy meal. Yet, typical indigestion could indicate a more serious illness, such as a stomach ulcer or acid reflux.
If you suffer from indigestion, you should see an expert like Dr Yogesh Batra, a leading gastroenterologist in Delhi, to find the underlying reason and obtain appropriate therapy. Continue reading to learn about the different reasons and treatments for this.
Symptoms of Indigestion
This involves various symptoms, but it always includes some level of abdominal pain or discomfort. Since most of the digestive organs are located in the abdomen, any difficulty they experience during digestion is felt there. Symptoms of indigestion occur after eating, during the postprandial period when the stomach is digesting food. Common symptoms of indigestion include:
- Epigastric Pain: Discomfort in the central, upper abdominal region where the stomach is located.
- Early or Prolonged Satiety: Feeling full shortly after eating or for an extended period afterwards, suggesting the stomach is struggling.
- Burning Sensation: This can result from stomach acids and enzymes or inflammation.
People with indigestion often report additional symptoms such as:
- Gas
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Regurgitation (when swallowed food comes back up)
- Burping
- Heartburn
- Acid reflux
These symptoms can overlap with indigestion but may also occur independently.Symptoms of indigestion can last from a few minutes to a few hours after eating.
Causes of Indigestion
Indigestion has many possible causes, often related to lifestyle and can be triggered by food, medication and drinks. Common causes include:
- Fatty, spicy, or greasy foods
- Overeating or eating too quickly
- Excessive alcohol, chocolate, caffeine, or carbonated beverages
- Smoking
- Certain pain relievers, antibiotics, and iron supplements
- Stress and anxiety
- Unidentified food intolerances
Chronic indigestion may be associated with various diseases and conditions, such as:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Peptic ulcer disease
- Hyperchlorhydria (excess stomach acid)
- Gastroparesis (slow stomach emptying)
- Gastritis (stomach lining inflammation)
- Hiatal hernia (stomach pushing through the diaphragm)
- Eating disorders
- Bacterial overgrowth in the stomach or small intestine
- Gallstones
- Pancreas inflammation (pancreatitis)
- Gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis)
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Small bowel obstruction
- Celiac disease
- Visceral hypersensitivity
- Stomach cancer
How is Indigestion Treated?
To manage indigestion, avoid foods or medicines that trigger your symptoms and try to steer clear of stressful situations. Your symptoms may improve if you take antacids to weaken or neutralise stomach acid or quit smoking. Your healthcare provider may also recommend medications that:
- Decrease the amount of acid in your stomach
- Help your stomach move food more quickly into your small intestine
- Calm the nervous system of the gut
- Kill bacteria if tests show the presence of H. pylori (Helicobacter pylori)
Prevention
There are many steps you can take to prevent indigestion. Adjusting your diet and eating habits can make a significant difference. Consider the following tips:
- Eat slowly and allow ample time for meals
- Eat several small, low-fat meals each day instead of three large meals
- Chew your food thoroughly
- Limit spicy, fatty, greasy, or high-fibre foods
- Reduce or eliminate coffee, soda, and alcohol
- Avoid medications that can irritate your stomach, such as aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-
- inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). If you need to take these, do so after eating.
Additional lifestyle changes that can help prevent indigestion include:
- Quitting smoking
- Getting enough rest
- Exercise before meals or waiting at least an hour after eating
- Reducing emotional and physical stress through activities like meditation or yoga
A lot of people suffer from indigestion, often known as dyspepsia. While frequent indigestion is usually damaging, it could indicate underlying illnesses that require healthcare. Understanding the signs, their causes, and remedies will help you manage and lessen the discomfort caused by indigestion. Lifestyle changes, dietary changes and the use of suitable medication can all help to improve your symptoms.Schedule a visit with Dr Yogesh Batra, a top gastroenterologist in Delhi, through Apollo to receive professional care and relief from your problems.
If you have regular indigestion, you should seek medical advice to determine the true cause and obtain suitable treatment.
