Indigestion

Most people suffer from indigestion at one time or another. This is usually not a sign of anything serious. You can treat it yourself.

Symptoms of indigestion

The following symptoms may occur after eating or drinking: 

• Heartburn – Burning pain in the chest especially after eating
• Feeling full or bloated 
• Nausea
• Inflating and venting 
• Food or liquid that tastes bitter comes up in the mouth

When is it not indigestion? 

Abdominal pain or back pain are not usually symptoms of indigestion. If you have these, you may be constipated. 

Indigestion, Heartburn and Acid Reflux – What’s the Difference? 

Heartburn and acid reflux are the same thing – stomach acid coming up into the throat. When this happens, you will feel a burning sensation. It can be a sign of indigestion. 

Home Remedies for Indigestion

• Do not eat anything 3 to 4 hours before going to bed. 
• Elevate your head and neck when sleeping in bed – this can stop stomach acid from rising up into the throat during sleep. 
• Avoid oily, fatty or overly spicy foods.
• Cut down on tea, coffee, soft drinks (cola) or alcohol.

Treatment of indigestion 

A doctor may prescribe medication to relieve heartburn or pain that accompanies indigestion. Medicines that reduce the amount of stomach acid are:

• antacid
• Proton pump inhibitor

Some indigestion medications are best taken after a meal to make them last longer. Read the leaflet that comes with the medicine for more information. 

Treatment of indigestion in pregnant women 

Pregnant women often suffer from indigestion. This problem is very normal after 27 weeks of pregnancy. This can be due to hormonal changes or due to the growing baby putting pressure on the abdomen. A doctor can help with discomfort or pain. They can suggest the right medicine to take during pregnancy. 

When to see a doctor?

• He often suffers from indigestion 
• felt severe pain
• 55 years or older 
• A lot of weight is lost without any effort 
• Difficulty swallowing food
• Repeated vomiting
• Be a patient of iron deficiency anemia 
• Feeling something like a wheel in the stomach 
• Suffer from vomiting or bleeding in the stool 

These can be signs of a serious problem. 

Why does indigestion occur?

Stomach acid can irritate your stomach lining or throat. This causes indigestion and you feel burning and pain. 

Some other causes of indigestion are: 

• Various drugs 
• smoking
• drink alcohol 
• A type of bacterial infection called Helicobacter pylori

Stress increases the problem of indigestion. 

Diseases that cause indigestion

• Hiatus hernia
• Stomach ulcer 
• Stomach cancer 
• Infection with bacteria called  Helicobacter pylori
• Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease