A condition in which you experience discomfort in the upper abdomen is called dyspepsia, stomach upset, or indigestion. This health problem explains symptoms such as abdominal pain and the feeling of fullness right after you begin eating. However, indigestion can in some cases be a symptom of other digestive diseases.
While this is a common health problem, people experience it in different ways. For example, some people experience indigestion symptoms daily while others occasionally. Commonly, medicines and lifestyle changes are enough to relieve this problem.
Symptoms
People with indigestion often experience the following symptoms. Examples include:
- Feeling of fullness despite not eating much food, can make you unable to finish eating.
- Uncomfortable feeling of fullness that lasts longer than usual
- Upper abdomen discomfort (along with this discomfort you may experience mild to severe pain located between the bottom of the breastbone and bellybutton)
- Burning sensation that happens in the upper abdomen
- Bloating
- Nausea
Vomiting and belching also can happen but less frequently. There are people that could experience heartburn (a pain or burning feeling in the chest).
If you are experiencing severe pain with any of the following symptoms, immediately contact your healthcare professional. Examples include:
- Unusual weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Black and tarry stools
- Persistent vomiting (sometimes with blood)
- Swallowing problems
- Weakness
- Fatigue (extreme tiredness)
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
Causes
There are many potential causes of indigestion. In most cases, this health problem is caused by bad lifestyle habits, food, drinks, or medications. Check some indigestion causes:
- Greasy, fatty, or spicy foods
- Eating too fast or overeating
- Using tobacco products (smoking)
- Anxiety
- Antibiotics, painkillers, and iron supplements
- Increased amount of caffeine, chocolate, or carbonated beverages
Check below some conditions that can also provoke indigestion:
- Celiac disease
- Intestinal blockage
- Gallstones
- Peptic ulcers
- Stomach inflammation (gastritis) or cancer
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disease
- Pregnancy
- Constipation
- Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
- Intestinal ischemia (decreased blood flow in the intestine)
Sometimes, people may experience a condition called functional or non-ulcer dyspepsia, which is commonly associated with irritable bowel syndrome.
Complications
This health problem usually does not provoke serious complications but it may impact your quality of life provoking you to eat reduced food amounts and feel uncomfortable. As a result, you may miss school or work due to symptoms.
Diagnosis
Doctors usually begin the diagnosis with your medical history and questions about symptoms. They can also perform a physical examination to check for abnormalities. If your indigestion is mild, these evaluations usually are enough to diagnose this problem.
Physicians may perform the following tests if the symptoms happen suddenly or you are older than 55 years old. For example:
- Imaging tests (such as X-rays or CT scans) are often used to check for intestinal obstruction or other problems.
- Endoscopy – This test is usually performed by doctors to check for problems with the upper digestive tract. Thereafter, they will remove a sample of the tissue for a laboratory test (biopsy).
- Stool and breath tests – These tests are done to determine if you have Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). This bacteria is associated with peptic ulcers that provoke often indigestion.
- Laboratory tests – Sometimes, doctors may perform these tests to check for anemia or other metabolic conditions.
Treatment
For people with a mild form of this health problem, lifestyle changes often are enough to get rid of symptoms. Check below some of them:
- Do not eat foods that cause indigestion
- You should eat 5-6 small meals during the day instead of 3 large ones
- Limit or avoid alcoholic drinks and caffeine
- Avoid painkillers such as Ibuprofen, Naproxen sodium, and Aspirin
- Talk with your doctor about other medicines that do not trigger indigestion
- Manage anxiety and stress
In case you do not notice improvements with lifestyle changes only, your doctor may recommend some medications. The primary medicines used to treat indigestion include over-the-counter (OTC) antacids. However, other medications can be used too. For example:
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) – These medicines help to decrease stomach acid, which helps to relieve heartburn.
- H-2-receptor blockers – These medicines are also used to lower stomach acid.
- Prokinetics – An effective option if your stomach empties slowly.
- Antibiotics – Usually, doctors recommend these medications to treat H. pylori bacteria, which is one of the most common causes of indigestion.
- Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications – Physicians may prescribe some of these medicines to relieve pain and discomfort provoked by indigestion.
Home Remedies
Check below some effective options for mild indigestion:
- You should have more small meals than 2-3 but large. Moreover, chew slowly and thoroughly the food.
- Avoid foods that potentially can trigger indigestion. For example processed foods, spicy foods, carbonated beverages, caffeine, alcoholic drinks, tobacco products, and others. Consult with your doctor for a complete list of trigger foods.
- Try to get and maintain a healthy weight. Otherwise, it may put pressure on the abdomen causing acid to return into the esophagus.
- Regularly exercise
- It is advised to manage stress. For that, you can use yoga, meditation, deep breathing, and others.
- Never administer OTC medicines, supplements, or other drugs without a doctor’s recommendation because it may provoke or worsen indigestion.
Alternative Medications
There are some alternative treatment methods that are effective against indigestion. In any case, before using any of the following alternative indigestion treatments, you should consult with your doctor. Examples include:
- Herbal therapies – These include plain peppermint, caraway oils, and rikkunshito (the Japanese herbal formula).
- STW 5 (Iberogast) – This is a liquid supplement that contains an extract of 9 herbs. It works by reducing the gastric acid production.
- Acupuncture – This procedure helps to block the pathways of nerves that send pain sensations to the brain.
- Psychological treatment – This includes behavior changes, relaxation techniques, cognitive behavioral therapy, hypnotherapy, and others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What foods help to get rid of indigestion?
- Whole grains (including couscous, brown rice, and oatmeal)
- Root vegetables (such as sweet potato, carrots, and beets)
- Green vegetables (including broccoli, green beans, and asparagus)
What are the best medications used to relieve indigestion?
The most effective medicines used to treat indigestion are antacids and H2 blockers. These drugs provide fast pain relief and short-term heartburn treatment.
What is the primary cause of indigestion?
People who eat large meals, eat too fast or consume foods during a stressful situation usually experience indigestion. Previous factors are one of the most common causes of this health problem. If you have additional questions, ask your healthcare provider.
