Indigestion, also referred to as dyspepsia, is a common condition that affects many people. The symptoms are discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen, which usually occurs after eating or drinking. Various factors can contribute to indigestion, including lifestyle factors and underlying illnesses. Throughout this blog post, we will discuss indigestion's causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Food and drink can contribute to indigestion, as can your health or psychological state. Some of the common causes of indigestion include:
Overeating or eating too quickly
Eating fatty, greasy, spicy, or acidic foods
Drinking too much caffeine, alcohol, carbonated beverages, or chocolate
Smoking
Stress or anxiety
Certain medications, such as antibiotics, pain relievers, or iron supplements
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, a type of bacteria that can cause ulcers and inflammation in the stomach and duodenum
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus
Gastritis, an inflammation of the stomach lining
Peptic ulcer, a sore in the lining of the stomach or duodenum
Gallstones, hard deposits of cholesterol or bile that can block the bile ducts and cause pain
Pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas
Celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder that causes damage to the small intestine when gluten is ingested
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a disorder that affects the movement and sensitivity of the colon
Functional dyspepsia, a type of indigestion that has no apparent cause but is related to abnormal nerve signals or muscle contractions in the digestive tract
Indigestion can cause various symptoms in different people. Some of the common symptoms of indigestion include:
A feeling of fullness or bloating in the upper abdomen
A burning sensation or pain in the upper abdomen
Nausea or vomiting
Belching or gas
Loss of appetite or weight loss
Difficulty swallowing or a lump in the throat
Some people may also experience heartburn, which is a separate condition from indigestion but can occur along with it. Heartburn is a burning feeling in the chest or throat that happens when stomach acid irritates the esophagus.
You will be asked about your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle habits in order to diagnose indigestion. As well as performing a physical exam and checking for anemia or other conditions, your doctor may also order some tests to rule out underlying causes of indigestion, depending on your age and severity of symptoms.
Blood tests, to check for anemia or other metabolic disorders
Breath and stool tests, to check for H. pylori infection
Endoscopy, a procedure where a thin tube with a camera and light is inserted through your mouth into your stomach and duodenum to look for any abnormalities
Biopsy, a procedure where a small sample of tissue is taken from your stomach or duodenum for analysis
Imaging tests, such as X-ray or CT scan, to check for any obstruction or other issues in your digestive tract
Indigestion can be treated with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications depending on its cause and severity. Some of the treatment options include:
Antacids, which are medicines that neutralize stomach acid and provide quick relief for mild indigestion
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which are medicines that reduce the amount of acid produced by your stomach and help heal ulcers and inflammation
H2-receptor blockers, which are medicines that also reduce stomach acid but are less potent than PPIs
Prokinetics, which are medicines that help your stomach empty faster and prevent reflux
Antibiotics, which are medicines that kill H. pylori bacteria and prevent recurrence of ulcers and inflammation
Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medicines, which are medicines that may ease the discomfort from indigestion by decreasing your sensation of pain
If your indigestion is caused by a serious condition such as gallstones or pancreatitis, you may need surgery or other procedures to treat it.
Indigestion can be prevented by avoiding or modifying some of the factors that trigger it. Some of the preventive measures for indigestion include:
Eating smaller and more frequent meals instead of three large meals
Chewing your food slowly and thoroughly
Avoiding foods that cause indigestion, such as fatty, greasy, spicy, or acidic foods
Limiting your intake of caffeine, alcohol, carbonated beverages, and chocolate
Quitting smoking
Managing stress and anxiety
Avoiding certain medications that cause indigestion, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen
Finding alternatives for medications that cause indigestion, such as switching to acetaminophen for pain relief
Maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly
Indigestion is a common and usually harmless condition that can cause discomfort or pain in your upper abdomen. However, you should see a doctor if your symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms. You can reduce or prevent the occurrence of indigestion by following a few simple lifestyle changes and taking medications as prescribed.
