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Indigestion-Causes and Symptoms

by | Feb 14, 2021 | Info | 0 comments

Indigestion

Indigestion can be pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen (dyspepsia) or burning pain behind the breastbone (heartburn). Dyspepsia and heartburn may occur together or on their own. However, symptoms usually appear soon after eating or drinking. 

Also, dyspepsia is often a sign of an underlying problem. Causes include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers, or  gallbladder disease, rather than a condition of its own.

Signs and Symptoms of Indigestion

Moreover, following are the common signs and symptoms of indigestion, consequently these symptoms may increase in times of stress:

Causes of Indigestion

Indigestion has many possible causes. For example, indigestion is related to lifestyle and may be triggered by food, drink or medication.

Following are some of the common causes of indigestion:

Other Conditions

  • Intestinal blockage
  • Celiac disease
  • Chronic pancreatitis
  • Thyroid disease
  • Pregnancy
  • Inflammation of the stomach (gastritis)
  • Peptic ulcers
  • Gallstones
  • Reduced blood flow in the intestine (intestinal ischemia)

Diagnosis of Indigestion

A doctor will ask the person about:

  • Dietary habits
  • Symptoms
  • Personal and family medical history
  • Any other health conditions and medications that they are taking

In addition they may also examine the chest and stomach. This may involve pressing down on different parts of the abdomen to check for areas that may be sensitive, tender, or painful under pressure.

Tests

In some cases, a doctor may use the following tests to rule out an underlying health condition:

  • Blood test: This can assess for anemia, liver problems, and other conditions.
  • Tests for H. pylori infection: In addition to a blood test, these tests may include a urea breath test and a stool antigen test.
  • Endoscopy: The doctor will use a long, thin tube with a camera to take images of the gastrointestinal tract during this procedure. They may also take a tissue sample for a biopsy. This can help them diagnose an ulcer or a tumor.


Treatment of Indigestion

Treatment for dyspepsia depends on the cause and severity of the disease. Also, treating an underlying condition or changing a person’s medication will reduce dyspepsia.

Lifestyle Changes

For mild and infrequent symptoms, lifestyle changes may also help. These include:

  • Avoiding or limiting the intake of trigger foods, such as fried foods, mint, tomatoes and also some spices. 
  • Limiting the intake of milk,  caffeine, and alcohol 
  • Avoiding large portions at mealtime
  • Eating smaller meals more often
  • Avoiding lying down for at least two hours after eating
  • If a person is overweight, losing weight may provide some relief to the digestive tract
  • Elevating the head of the bed by roughly six inches (by propping up the mattress or bed frame)

Medications

There are various medications and treatments available, depending on the cause of dyspepsia.

Medication options include:

Antacids

These counter the effects of stomach acid. Examples include Alka-Seltzer, Maalox, Rolaids, Riopan, and Mylanta. These are over-the-counter (OTC) medicines that do not need a prescription. 

H-2-receptor Antagonists

Although these reduce stomach acid levels and are more effective than antacids. Examples include Tagamet and Pepcid.

While some are available OTC, moreover others are by prescription only. Some may carry a risk of adverse effects. A doctor can help a person choose a suitable H-2 receptor  option.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)

PPIs reduce stomach acid and are stronger than H-2-receptor antagonists. Examples are Aciphex, Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, Protonix, and Zegerid.

Prokinetics

These can help boost the movement of food through the stomach. For example,  it include metoclopramide (Reglan). While this medication can be effective, although it is typically reserved for people with severe symptoms. Also, side effects may include tiredness, depression, anxiety, and muscle spasms.

Antidepressants

Some medications that are used for gastrointestinal neuromodulation are of the same class of drugs used for mood disorders, although typically at lower doses.

Counseling

Chronic indigestion can affect a person’s quality of life and overall well-being. Counseling may help some people manage these issues.

Options may include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy 
  • Biofeedback 
  • Hypnotherapy
  • Relaxation therapy

Complications of Indigestion

In very rare cases, severe and persistent indigestion can lead to complications. These include:

Esophageal stricture

Persistent exposure to stomach acid can cause scarring in the upper gastrointestinal tract. The tract can become narrow and constricted, causing difficulty with swallowing and chest pain. Surgery may be necessary to widen the esophagus for a person with an esophageal stricture.

Pyloric stenosis

In some cases, stomach acid can cause long-term irritation of the pylorus, the passage between the stomach and the small intestine. If the pylorus becomes scarred, it can narrow. If that happens, a person may not be able to digest food properly, and they may need surgery for pyloric stenosis.

Peritonitis

Over time, stomach acid can cause the lining of the digestive system to break down, leading to an infection called peritonitis. Medication or surgery may be necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below are some commonly asked questions about indigestion.

What does dyspepsia mean?

Dyspepsia is another term for indigestion, which is discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen, often after eating or drinking.

What should a person eat if they have indigestion?

If a person has dyspepsia, they may benefit from the following dietary tips:

  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol consumption
  • Follow a healthy, balanced diet
  • Drink water instead of sodas
  • Avoid acidic foods, such as tomatoes and oranges
  • Limit the intake of spicy and fatty foods

How does a person get rid of indigestion?

To get rid of mild dyspepsia, the following emphasis on  lifestyle changes may help:

  • Don’t eat large portions at mealtime
  • Eating smaller meals more often
  • Avoiding lying down for at least two hours after eating

For more severe or frequent dyspepsia, for example a doctor may recommend medications such as antacids, H-2-receptor antagonists, or Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

Summary

Dyspepsia, also known as indigestion, refers to discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen, often after eating or drinking.

It is often mild, and people can make dietary and lifestyle changes to help manage it. If these do not work, a doctor can prescribe medications.

In some cases, there may be a more serious underlying cause. In conclusion, anyone who has concerns about new, severe, or ongoing dyspepsia should seek medical advice.

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