About Indigestion
Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia or upset stomach, refers to a group of gastrointestinal symptoms that happen together. It is not a disease itself but rather a general term used to describe the discomfort or pain in the upper stomach that can happen after eating or drinking. The symptoms of indigestion can vary from person to person but commonly include feelings of fullness soon after starting a meal, uncomfortable fullness after eating, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and nausea.
Indigestion can be occasional or chronic and may be functional (without a specific cause), or related to underlying digestive tract diseases such as peptic ulcer disease, gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining), or stomach cancer. Lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications can often help manage temporary indigestion, but it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for chronic or severe symptoms.
The disease causes and mechanisms of indigestion can vary and may include:
- Dietary factors: Consuming spicy, fatty, or greasy foods, as well as foods that are acidic, such as tomatoes or oranges, can contribute to indigestion.
- Smoking: Smoking cigarettes can worsen indigestion symptoms.
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of experiencing indigestion.
- Stress: High levels of stress can impact digestion and lead to indigestion.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may cause indigestion.
- Health conditions: Indigestion can be a symptom of various health conditions, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, stomach cancer, gallbladder inflammation, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Non-modifiable risk factors for indigestion are things that cannot be changed or controlled to lower the chances of getting indigestion. These include:
- Age: The risk of getting indigestion gets higher as you age.
- Genetic tendencies: Having a positive family history of indigestion or related digestive tract diseases can increase the risk.
Modifiable risk factors for indigestion can be influenced or changed. These include:
- Dietary habits: Poor dietary habits, such as consuming excessive amounts of alcohol, coffee, or caffeine-containing drinks, can contribute to indigestion.
- Physical activity: Leading a sedentary lifestyle with low physical activity levels can be a modifiable risk factor for indigestion.
It's important to note that these risk factors may not apply to everyone, and individual circumstances may vary. It's always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
The most common early symptoms of indigestion include:
- Pain, a burning feeling, or discomfort in the upper abdomen
- Feeling full too soon while eating a meal
- Feeling uncomfortably full after eating a meal
- Bloating
- Burping
As indigestion progresses or becomes more severe, the following symptoms may occur:
- Burping up food or liquid
- Loud growling or gurgling in the stomach
- Nausea
- Gas
It's important to note that indigestion and heartburn are two separate conditions. Indigestion can be occasional, chronic, or functional. In some cases, indigestion may be a sign of certain digestive tract diseases or conditions such as peptic ulcer disease, gastritis, or stomach cancer. However, most often doctors do not know what causes chronic indigestion without an underlying health problem. If your indigestion continues or worsens, it is important to speak with a doctor for further evaluation and guidance.
To diagnose indigestion, doctors commonly perform the following examinations, tests, and procedures:
- Medical history: Your doctor will review your symptoms, medical history, and ask about your eating and drinking habits, as well as your use of medications.
- Physical exam: During a physical exam, your doctor may check for bloating, listen to sounds in your abdomen using a stethoscope, tap on your abdomen to check for tenderness, pain, and lumps, and look for yellowing of your eyes or skin (jaundice), which can sometimes cause symptoms similar to indigestion.
- Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy: This procedure helps diagnose diseases and conditions that may be causing indigestion. It involves passing a thin tube with a camera through your mouth and into your stomach to examine the lining of your stomach and duodenum. Your doctor may also take small tissue samples (biopsy) for further examination.
- Imaging tests: Doctors may use imaging tests such as x-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, or ultrasound to look for diseases or conditions in your digestive tract that may be causing indigestion.
Additional examinations, tests, and procedures to determine the stage or severity of indigestion may include:
- H. pylori testing: Blood, stool, or breath tests can detect the bacteria H. pylori infection in the digestive tract.
- Urea breath test: This test checks for H. pylori infection by measuring carbon dioxide levels in your breath.
- Other tests: Your doctor may order additional blood tests, stool tests, or imaging tests to further evaluate the severity or underlying causes of indigestion.
Remember to consult with your healthcare professional for personalized advice regarding examinations and tests for indigestion.
The goals of treatment for indigestion are to provide relief from symptoms and treat the underlying cause. The specific treatment will depend on the individual's symptoms. Here are some of the recommended treatments and how they work to achieve the treatment goals:
- Medications: Over-the-counter antacids can help neutralize stomach acid and provide temporary relief. H2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can reduce stomach acid production. Antibiotics may be prescribed if an infection is causing indigestion. Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications may be used if stress is a contributing factor.
- Therapies: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), biofeedback, hypnotherapy, and relaxation therapy can help manage stress and reduce symptoms of indigestion.
- Lifestyle changes: Identifying and avoiding trigger foods, reducing or eliminating caffeine and alcohol consumption, eating smaller meals more frequently, managing anxiety and stress, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding certain pain medications can all help alleviate indigestion symptoms.
It's important to note that medication dosing may be affected by many factors. Check with your health care professional about dosing for your individual situation. Other side effects can occur. Check with your health care professional or read the information provided with your medication for additional side effect information.
Medication dosing may be affected by many factors. Check with your health care professional about dosing for your individual situation. Other side effects can occur. Check with your health care professional or read the information provided with your medication for additional side effect information.