Symptoms
Common symptoms of indigestion include:
Pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen
Burning sensation in the stomach or esophagus (heartburn)
Bloating
Nausea
Vomiting
Feeling full quickly during a meal
Feeling uncomfortably full after a meal
Belching
Acid Reflux
Gurgling or rumbling stomach
Causes
Indigestion can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Lifestyle factors: Overeating, eating too quickly, high-fat foods, spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, carbonated beverages, smoking, stress, anxiety.
Medications: Certain antibiotics, pain relievers (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen), iron supplements.
Medical conditions: Gastritis, peptic ulcers, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), stomach cancer (rare).
Infections: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection.
Precautions
Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
Avoid foods that trigger your symptoms.
Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly.
Avoid eating late at night.
Limit caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated beverages.
Manage stress and anxiety.
Quit smoking.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Avoid lying down immediately after eating.
Elevate the head of your bed if you experience heartburn.
Consult your doctor if symptoms are severe or persistent.
How long does an outbreak last?
The duration of indigestion varies greatly depending on the cause. Indigestion due to overeating or a specific food trigger might only last for a few hours. Indigestion related to chronic conditions like GERD or IBS can be ongoing, with symptoms flaring up periodically over months or years. H. pylori-related indigestion will persist until the infection is treated with antibiotics.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves:
Medical history and physical exam: The doctor will ask about your symptoms, diet, and medical history.
Upper endoscopy: A thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum to visualize the lining and look for abnormalities.
H. pylori testing: Blood test, stool test, or breath test to detect the presence of H. pylori bacteria.
Barium swallow: X-rays are taken after you drink a barium solution, which helps to visualize the esophagus and stomach.
Gastric emptying study: Measures how quickly food empties from your stomach.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms can vary:
Acute Indigestion: Symptoms may appear shortly after eating a trigger food or overeating and typically subside within a few hours.
Chronic Indigestion: Symptoms may be persistent, with periods of exacerbation and remission, lasting for weeks, months, or even years.
H. pylori-related Indigestion: Symptoms develop gradually and persist until treated.
Medication-Induced Indigestion: Onset related to medication use; symptoms may resolve upon stopping or changing medication.
Important Considerations
Persistent or severe indigestion should always be evaluated by a doctor.
Indigestion can sometimes be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition.
Self-treating with over-the-counter medications for prolonged periods is not recommended without medical advice.
Pay attention to your diet and lifestyle habits to identify potential triggers.
If you experience unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, persistent vomiting, or blood in your stool, seek immediate medical attention.