WHAT IS INDIGESTION?

Indigestion occurs when excess acid attacks the lining of the stomach. Heartburn occurs when stomach acid flows back into the food pipe (oesophagus) causing a burning pain in the centre of your chest.

A vague feeling of abdominal discomforts; possibly may include a feeling of fullness, belching, bloating and nausea.

Indigestion is rarely a serious health problem unless accompanied by other symptoms.

COMMON CAUSES OF INDIGESTION?

It may be triggered by eating particular food or after drinking wine or carbonated drinks. It may also be caused by eating too fast or overeating. Some people may find that spicy foods, high fibre foods, fatty foods, or too much caffeine can aggravate this problem. Symptom may be worsened by anxiety, stress, depression, being overweight, and the use of certain medicines.

It should be remembered that there are a variety of factors, which can also contribute or aggravate indigestion:

• overeating

• eating too fast
• eating fatty, greasy or spicy foods
• overindulgence in alcohol
• emotional trauma or nervousness
• acute or chronic gastritis
• duodenal or gastric ulcer
• use drugs such as antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.(pain-killers)

Indigestion may also be a symptom of certain diseases.

• Bloating (swelling of the stomach)

• Belching (release of gas through the mouth)
• Fullness (unable to finish a normal meal)
• Heartburn (burning pain at the centre of the chest)

• Nausea (an urge to vomit & feeling sick ).

• Pain is worse when lying down or bending forward.

• A ‘lump’ deep in your throat.
• Acid, sour or bitter taste in your mouth.
• Butterflies in the stomach when you feel nervous or tense.

SEE YOUR DOCTOR IF:

• symptoms last longer than 2 weeks
• the pattern of indigestion symptoms changes noticeably.
• abdominal pain persists longer than 6 hours
• symptoms include unexplained weight loss, bleeding or jaundice.
• symptoms include jaw pain, chest pain, back pain, profuse sweating, anxiety, or a feeling of impending doom (possible heart attack symptoms).
• Loss of appetite, vomiting, blood in vomitus.

The important thing is to consult the doctor. The reason is that some serious diseases can cause symptoms similar to indigestion. This includes ulcer disease and cancers.

By studying your history, the doctor can exclude the likelihood of ulcer disease and cancers. If necessary, the doctor can send you for further investigation.

For the majority of people with indigestion, there will be no serious cause for their symptoms. The doctor will then concentrate on relieving your symptoms.

Firstly, the doctor will advise you to modify your lifestyle. Lifestyle changes are often helpful if you have indigestion. Secondly, the doctor will also prescribe one or two drugs to help relieve your symptoms of indigestion.

Medications

• What medications are you taking?
• Have you changed medications recently?

Other symptoms

• What other symptoms are occurring at the same time?
• Is there any abdominal pain?
• Is there any vomiting?

The drugs which are commonly prescribed include prokinetic drugs and antacids.

Prokinetic drugs are prescribed to help the "slow" stomach. They restore the stomach to its normal working condition. Prokinetics helps the stomach to empty its contents more quickly. They relieve the symptoms of a full and bloated stomach.

Antacids neutralize acid in the stomach and are frequently prescribed for a variety of stomach complaints. They are effective against heartburn but may be less effective against symptoms caused by slow digestion.

• Eat regular and moderate meals.
• Chew food carefully and thoroughly.
• Avoid excitement or exercise immediately after a meal.
• Reduce weight if you are overweight.
• Avoid smoking or quit if possible.
• Avoid stress. If stress is a problem, learn to relax.
• Cut down the amount of alcohol, cola, coffee or strong tea.
• Avoid drugs which may affect your stomach.