Indigestion

Indigestion What is Indigestion?

Sensation of fullness / heaviness or discomfort in upper abdomen. Indigestion may include Heartburn, upper abdominal pain, Bloating, Feeling of distension and Nausea. It may preset as burning pain in upper abdomen especially after eating or drinking.

Causes of Indigestion Indigestion is often associated with other medical conditions or problems such as: Disease conditions related to Gastro intestinal tract: • Stomach infection and food poisoning.

• GERD (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease) • Oesophagitis (Inflammation of food pipe) or Gastritis (Inflammation of stomach) • Ulcers in stomach or early part of small intestine.

• Pancreatitis or gall bladder stone.

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) • Hiatus hernia or Gastoparesis.

Disease conditions other than Gastro intestinal tract: • Thyroid disease • Diabetes (Gastroparesis) • Food allergies • Depression Other conditions: • Pregnancy • Obesity Indigestion can be due to: Medicines such as: • Long term use of Non steroidal pain killers. (Aspirin) • Steroids • Antibiotics • Narcotic drugs Page 1 of 2

Faulty lifestyle factors such as: • Faulty eating habits/ Fast Food • Inadequate knowledge • No exercise • Stress & Smoking (Tobacco) • Harmful use of Alcohol

When to seek Medical Care?

If you have any of the following symptoms of severe indigestion, if your symptoms last more than a few days, or if intensity of symptoms increasing noticeably, seek medical care immediately: • Abdominal discomfort which is not related to eating or drinking • Severe pain in the upper right abdomen • Loss of appetite • Difficulty in swallowing • Vomiting or Blood in vomiting • Visible blood (red colour) in stool or Black stool • Yellow discoloration of eyes and skin

Prevention Indigestion caused by lifestyle habits can be easily prevented; • Eat slowly and chew completely • Avoid late-night eating • Avoid spicy and fatty foods • Drink fluids after meals, rather than during • Quit smoking or consumption of tobacco in any form • Avoid alcoholic beverages • Avoid caffeine • Wait at least one hour after eating to exercise • Always take non steroidal pain killer medicines like aspirin with food • Meditation may help if indigestion is caused by stress or anxiety

Page 2 of 2