Indigestion Symptoms

Tap to Read ➤ Madhura Pandit

Common symptoms of indigestion include stomach pain, nausea, acid reflux, discomfort in stomach, etc. Here is detailed information on causes, symptoms, and treatment methods of this condition.

Indigestion and heartburn can possibly be a symptom of a heart attack. The symptoms of a severe heartburn, indigestion and heart attack appear similar. Therefore, it is wise to consult the doctor in case of unexplained and severe symptoms.

Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, is improper breakdown or absorption of food, caused due to numerous reasons. The stomach produces acid that helps in the digestion of food. There is a mucous lining present in the stomach and the esophagus that protects these organs from the acid.

Sometimes, due to certain reasons, the mucous lining gets damaged, which results in the inflammation of the stomach lining due to the stomach acid. Secondly, certain foodstuffs can also trigger indigestion.

Causes Irregular eating habits is the most common cause of indigestion. Extremely citrus, spicy or fried foods can build up acid in the stomach causing upset stomach. Swallowing food very quickly leads to intake of excess air in the stomach, which leads to bloating. Drinking excess alcohol and smoking also contribute in frequent indigestion.

It can also be a side effect of certain medications. On the other hand, excess stress, insomnia, and anxiety are other significant causes of indigestion. Sometimes, indigestion can also be a symptom of other disorders like gallstones, ulcers, GERD, H.pylori infection, etc.

Symptoms Indigestion is often experienced after having meals. Discomfort and pain in the stomach are the common symptoms.The pain and discomfort is experienced in the upper stomach. Following are the other symptoms:

Bloating Fullness in stomach Loss of appetite Flatulence Acid reflux Heartburn Belching Nausea Vomiting Abdominal distention

Indigestion is commonly seen in women during pregnancy. This is due to the hormonal changes that take place in this phase. It is also one of the side effects of birth control pills. On the other hand, excess weight gain during pregnancy also leads to indigestion as the uterus exerts pressure on the stomach.

As aforementioned, in most of the cases, indigestion is not a serious disorder. However, if it is accompanied with other symptoms like bleeding, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, jaundice, etc., it is recommended to consult the doctor immediately. Secondly, if the aforementioned symptoms are observed with no obvious cause, it is wise to contact a doctor.

Treatment Symptoms of dyspepsia can be treated by taking over-the-counter medications. Secondly, antacids, prescription medication like H2 blockers are also effective. If it is caused due to other underlying disease, the doctor will recommend the related treatment methods.

Prevention Indigestion can be overcome by following certain preventive measures. Change in lifestyle and eating habits contributes a lot in preventing this condition. ► You should avoid or limit the intake of spicy and fried foods, especially at night.

► You should stop smoking and avoid consumption of alcohol. ► It is advisable to chew food slowly and carefully. ► You should not recline on the chair, lie down or go to bed immediately after having meals. ► It is recommended to go to bed 2-3 hours after having meals. ► Try to overcome stress by following stress-relieving relaxation techniques.

Indigestion symptoms in mild cases will be alleviated after a couple of hours. However, if you experience this condition frequently and have other accompanying serious symptoms, it is recommended to seek quick medical treatment.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this story is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.