Understand Indigestion: Treatments and Preventative Measures
Millions of people suffer from indigestion. Indigestion is characterized by pain or discomfort in the stomach. It can be mild, moderate, or severe. Other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, bloating and belching are also common. This ailment is relatively common but it's still poorly understood, leading to misinformation and poor treatment. This article provides a complete overview of indigestion including causes, treatment, expert opinion, and prevention.
What Is Indigestion?
In medical terms, dyspepsia is the general term used to describe discomfort in upper abdominal area. This is not a condition but a collection of symptoms you experience in your stomach, usually after eating or drinking. Although occasional indigestion is normal, it can be a sign of a serious underlying problem, like gastroesophageal re-flux disease (GERD), gallbladder or ulcer disease.
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney diseases reports that approximately 1 out of 4 Americans experience indigestion every year. Fewer than 20 percent of those who experience indigestion seek medical treatment for the symptoms. This shows that there is a need to increase awareness of the condition.
Intestinal Indigestion: Common causes
Indigestion is caused by a variety of factors including:
- Overeating or eating too fast
- High-fat and spicy foods
- Alcohol or caffeine-containing beverages
- Take certain medicines, like aspirin and antibiotics
- Conditions such as GERD or gallstones can cause gastrointestinal disorders
- Stress and anxiety
You can reduce your frequency of stomach upsets by managing these triggers.
Treatments for Indigestion
Indigestion is often treated based on the underlying cause. Treatments include:
- Antacids available over-the-counter to neutralize acid in the stomach
- Acid production can be reduced by using proton pump inhibitors
- H. Pylori-induced peptic ulcers can be treated with antibiotics
- Changes in lifestyle, including improved nutrition and stress management
In a 2017 World Journal of Gastroenterology study , 70% of functional dyspepsia patients showed significant improvement of their symptoms when lifestyle changes were combined with medications.
Experts' Opinions about Indigestion
While indigestion can be common, experts agree that frequent, persistent or severe cases shouldn't be overlooked. According to Dr. Lawrence Schiller of Baylor University Medical Center's gastroenterology department, "chronic indigestion is sometimes a sign or symptom for a serious condition such as stomach cancer, pancreatitis or ulcer." It's important to consult a doctor if you notice that your symptoms are persistent or getting worse over time.
Prevention and Natural Remedies
Indigestion can be managed with natural remedies, lifestyle changes and medical treatment. They include:
- Eat smaller meals more frequently instead of eating three big ones
- You should avoid foods that cause your symptoms.
- Regular exercise can help to keep the digestive system in good health
- Reduce stress by using techniques such as yoga, deep breathing, and meditation
- After eating, avoid lying down immediately or going to sleep.
Indigestion is common, but it's often misunderstood. Although occasional bouts of indigestion are harmless, and lifestyle changes can help manage them, persistent symptoms or those that seem severe may be indicative of a serious condition. Understanding the causes, treatment options, opinions of experts, and prevention advice surrounding indigestion will help you take steps to manage your symptoms.
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