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indegestion
Indigestion, also known as upset stomach or dyspepsia, is discomfort or
a burning feeling in the upper abdomen, often accompanied by nausea,
abdominal bloating, belching, and sometimes vomiting.
Indigestion might be caused by a disease in the digestive tract, but
for many people, it results from eating too much, eating too quickly,
eating high-fat foods, or eating during stressful situations. Smoking,
drinking too much alcohol, using medications that irritate the stomach
lining, being tired, and having ongoing stress can also cause indigestion
or make it worse.
Some people have persistent indigestion that is not related to any of
these factors. This type of indigestion--called functional or nonulcer
dyspepsia--may be caused by a problem in the muscular squeezing action of
the stomach (motility).
To diagnose indigestion, the doctor might perform tests for problems,
like ulcers. In the process of diagnosis, a person may have x rays of the
stomach and small intestine or undergo endoscopy, in which the doctor uses
an instrument to look at the inside of the stomach.
Avoiding the foods and situations that seem to cause indigestion in
some cases is the most successful way to treat it. Excess stomach acid
does not usually cause or result from indigestion, so antacids are not an
appropriate treatment, although some people report that they do help.
Smokers can help relieve their indigestion by quitting smoking, or at
least not smoking right before eating. Exercising with a full stomach may
cause indigestion, so scheduling exercise before a meal or at least an
hour afterward might help.
To treat indigestion caused by a functional problem in the digestive
tract, the doctor may prescribe medicine that affects stomach
motility.
Because indigestion can be a sign of or mimic a more serious disease,
people should see a doctor if they have
- vomiting, weight loss, or appetite loss
- black tarry stools or blood in vomit
- severe pain in the upper right abdomen
- discomfort unrelated to eating
- indigestion accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, or pain
radiating to the jaw, neck, or arm
Other Resources
International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
(IFFGD)
P.O. Box 170864
Milwaukee, WI 53217
Phone:
1-888-964-2001 or (414) 964-1799
Fax: (414) 964-7176
Email: iffgd@iffgd.org
Internet: http://www.iffgd.org/
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