DYSPEPSIA (INDIGESTION): Symptoms, Causes & Preventions

Here are the symptoms, causes, and ways to prevent dyspepsia or indigestion

DYSPEPSIA (INDIGESTION) – This is a condition defined as persistent or recurrent pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen.

However, according to the article from Web MD, this condition is often a sign of underlying health conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers, or gallbladder disease. The symptoms may increase if you are under stressful circumstances and people may feel heartburn but this condition may be an indication of another problem.

SYMPTOMS

Burning in the stomach or upper abdomen
Abdominal pain
Bloating (full feeling)
Belching and gas
Nausea and vomiting
Acidic taste
Growling stomach

CAUSES

Ulcers
GERD
Stomach cancer (rare)
Gastroparesis (a condition where the stomach doesn’t empty properly; this often occurs in people with diabetes)
Stomach infections
Irritable bowel syndrome
Chronic pancreatitis
Thyroid disease
Pregnancy

Certain medications can also lead to dyspepsia (indigestion) such as aspirin and other painkillers, estrogen and oral contraceptives, steroid, certain antibiotics, and thyroid medicines.

A lifestyle of a person can also lead to this condition such as eating too much, eating too fast, eating high-fat foods, or eating during stressful situations, drinking too much alcohol, cigarette smoking, stress, and fatigue, according to the article.

PREVENTION

Eat slowly and eat small meals so the stomach does not have to work as hard or as long.
Reduce or avoid foods containing high amounts of acids, such as citrus fruits and tomatoes and foods/beverages containing caffeine.
Learn new methods for managing stress, such as relaxation if your indigestion is caused by stress.
Quit smoking because this can irritate the lining of the stomach, as well as drinking alcohol.
Avoid wearing tight-fitting garments. These can compress the stomach and can cause its contents to enter the esophagus.
Exercise before a meal or at least one hour after eating a meal.
Don’t lie down right after eating.
Allow three hours to pass after your last meal of the day before going to bed.
Sleeping with elevated pillow (at least 6 inches higher than your feet) allows digestive juices to flow into the intestines rather than to the esophagus.

When these symptoms happen, seek medical attention immediately: