Indigestion

When most people talk about indigestion, they refer to it as an upset tummy. But the term indigestion is also known as dyspepsia, which is simply a burning feeling in the abdomen. This burning feeling also can come along with bloating, belching, nausea, and even some vomiting. Most of the time, indigestion is simply caused by eating way too much or too fast along with eating while stressed out. This can even come about because of the intake of too many fatty foods.

The fact is, indigestion can and will happen to just about everyone at some point in his or her life. The difference is that for some people, indigestion is more serious and more frequent then for others. For these people, a doctor needs to seriously take a look at the situation because there is a disease called gastroesophageal reflux disease that hits the digestive tract hard. There is also the consideration that a person could just have nonulcer dyspepsia, which is where there is too much squeezing of the stomach.

Diagnosing the Problem

When the indigestion gets bad enough or it does not let up after trying some home treatments along with a modified diet, there needs to be help of a doctor that comes into play. This is not only to relieve the pain and suffering that the patient is experiencing from the indigestion but because the stomach problems may actually be a symptom of a much greater problem. If the person is having black stools or blood within the vomit or if there is shortness of breath along with discomfort when eating, a doctor should be seen right away.

To diagnose indigestion or what may be causing it will require going through some tests that the doctor will ask for. There could be X rays taken of the small intestine and the stomach as well. Also, the patient may have to go through an endoscopy where the doctor uses a tool, or instrument, to get a good look first hand at what is really happening inside the body. Diagnosing the problem of indigestion is normally done with ease and in very few cases are doctors stumped at what is happening or how to treat it. As long as action is taken right away, most people who suffer from indigestion can be treated and the problem can be taken care of with medication most times.

Indigestion may result from a problem in the stomach or intestines, or it may be a disorder in itself. Symptoms can include belching, gas, abdominal pain, grumbling noises, a bloated feeling, nausea, vomiting, and a burning sensation after eating. Swallowing air by chewing with your mouth open, talking while chewing, or gulping down food can cause indigestion. Drinking liquids with meals contributes to indigestion be cause it dilutes the enzymes needed for digestion. Certain foods and drinks can cause indigestion because they irritate the digestive tract. These include: alcohol, caffeine, vinegar, and greasy/spicy/ or refined foods. Other factors that can cause or contribute to indigestion include intestinal obstruction, mal-absorption, peptic ulcers, and disorders of the pancreas, liver, or gallbladder. Food allergies and intolerances (such as lactose intolerance) also can cause indigestion. If food is not digested properly, it can ferment in the intestines, producing hydrogen and carbon dioxide. Foods high in complex carbohydrates, such as grains and legumes, are the primary foods responsible for gas because they are difficult to digest, and therefore more likely to yield undigested particles on which the intestinal bacteria act. Psychological factors such  as stress, anxiety, worry, or disappointment can disturb the nervous mechanism that controls the contractions of stomach and intestinal muscles. A lack of digestive enzymes can also cause intestinal problems. Heartburn often accompanies indigestion. A colon intestinal cleansing may also be useful and it promotes overall good health.

Indigestion usually happens when people eat too much, too fast, or foods that don’t “agree” with them.