Indigestion occurs in almost everyone from time to time. Certain eating habits or a chronic digestive issue can instigate indigestion. This can lead to bloating or abdominal pain. In some cases, there is also nausea, heartburn and vomiting. The other usual indications of indigestion include the following:
- Feeling extremely full after eating a normal meal
- Full sensation during a meal and not being able to finish eating
- Excessive gas or belching
- Gnawing sensation in the stomach
- Burning feeling in the stomach or esophagus
A doctor should be consulted if the severe symptoms of indigestion manifest such as black-colored stools, severe episodes of vomiting, difficulty swallowing, blood-streaked vomit or appears similar to coffee grounds and unexplained weight loss.
What are the causes?
There are instances in which indigestion occurs from overeating or eating too rapidly. Eating greasy, spicy or fatty foods can increase the risk for indigestion. Lying down right after a meal makes it difficult for the body to digest food, thus increasing the risk for abdominal discomfort.
Other usual causes of poor digestion include:
- Excessive consumption of alcohol
- Smoking
- Certain side effects of medications
Common digestive conditions that can cause indigestion include the following:
- Gastric cancer
- Acid reflux disease
- Peptic ulcers
- Pancreatic ulcer or abnormalities with the bile duct
Management
Medications
A number of medications can be used to manage indigestion but expect side effects. The over-the-counter antacids work by neutralizing the stomach acid but can lead to constipation or diarrhea.
The H2 receptor antagonists that work by reducing the stomach acid are also used but can cause the various side effects such as vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, rash, headache and bleeding.
Other medications that can be given include prokinetics that helps improve muscle action of the digestive tract and proton pump inhibitors that reduce the stomach acid.
Home care
There are ways to improve digestion as well as alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms with adjustments to the lifestyle such as the following:
- Eat smaller meals throughout the day
- Stop smoking
- Avoid fatty, spicy foods that can trigger episodes of heartburn
- Cut down excess body weight
- Eat at a steady manner and do not lie down after eating
- Adequate rest
- Reduce the intake of carbonated beverages, caffeine and alcohol
- Stop using medications that can irritate the stomach lining such as aspirin and NSAIDs
- Minimize the level of stress with relaxation techniques such as yoga