Indigestion: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments
Indigestion can be described as discomfort in the upper stomach. Indigestion is common and can be caused by many factors, such as lifestyle choices, medical conditions, or diet. Indigestion can manifest as bloating and nausea.
It all boils down to:
Many people experience indigestion. Up to 20% of Americans experience indigestion at the least once per month, according to some estimates. This is more common in women than it is among men, and often occurs during meals.
Although it isn't a severe medical condition, ingestion can cause discomfort and interfere with daily life. It may indicate a deeper health problem. If symptoms persist more than 2 weeks or are severe, consult your doctor immediately.
Common causes of ingestion
Indigestion can be caused by many things. Here are some of the main causes: Certain medical conditions, Medications , lifestyle choices and dietary changes. Here are the top causes of Indigestion.
- Overeating or eating too fast
- Consume foods rich in spices or fat
- Consuming carbonated or Alcohol -containing drinks
- Smoking
- Anxiety or stress
- Some medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs or Antibiotics may be restricted.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
- Peptic ulcers
- Gallstones
- Pancreatitis
- Hiatal Hernia
Common Treatments for Indigestion
Simple lifestyle modifications such as quitting smoking and abstaining from certain foods can help to manage your ingestion. You can get relief with over-the-counter medicines such as H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors. A doctor might recommend prescription medication or surgery if the symptoms do not improve.
- Antacids : Antacids can be taken as an over-the-counter medication to neutralize stomach acids. These medications can be used to quickly relieve indigestion symptoms. You can choose from calcium carbonate, aluminum hydroxide and Mylanta.
- H2 Blockers - These drugs, also known as histamine-2 antagonists or H2 blocks, prevent stomach acid from being produced. Ranitidine (Zantac), and Famotidine , (Pepcid) are two examples.
- The stomach produces less acid with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Examples are omeprazole, Prevacid ( Lansoprazole ), and Esomeprazole (Nexium).
- Prescription medication - Doctors may recommend medications for indigestion due to underlying conditions like GERD and peptic ulcer diseases. Some examples include Metoclopramide , Reglan and Baclofen (Lioresal).
- If lifestyle and medication are not effective, surgery may be an option. The procedure may include wrapping the stomach's top around the lower esophageal Sphincter (LINX procedure), or the removal of a portion of the stomach (gastrectomy).
Considerations of experts and professionals regarding Indigestion
Most experts agree that lifestyle and home remedies can be the best treatment of indigestion. Many symptoms can be improved by eating smaller meals and skipping certain foods. These measures may not be enough to relieve symptoms.
Recent research published in Gut revealed that antacids are the best medications to treat indigestion. Study participants included 1400 people . Antacids gave them rapid, sustained relief. PPIs and H2 blocking agents were also effective but had less consistency in their results.
Natural Remedies or Tips for Indigestion
There are many natural ways to relieve indigestion, including lifestyle and medication changes. These are some of the most common home remedies:
- Ginger tea is a great way to reduce nausea and soothe your stomach. Drinking ginger tea can help relieve indigestion symptoms.
- Eat yogurt. Yogurt contains probiotics. These are good bacteria that help promote healthy gut. Yogurt can improve digestion and help with indigestion.
- Fennel seeds can be chewed - The traditional treatment for digestion problems is fennel seed. A few fennel seed after-meal meals may reduce gas and bloating.
- Chamomile tea: Chamomile is known for it's calming properties. Chamomile tea is known to relax your digestive system and help reduce symptoms of indigestion.
- Avoiding trigger foods - Certain foods can trigger indigestion symptoms. To reduce the symptoms, avoid trigger foods like caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods.
Natural remedies may not be suitable for all people and should always be considered with caution. Before using any natural remedies, pregnant women or those taking medication should consult their doctor.
Conclusion
Insomnia is an uncomfortable condition that causes discomfort to the upper stomach. It isn't serious but can cause discomfort and disruption to daily life. Indigestion can be caused by a variety of factors such as diet, lifestyle, medication, or certain medical conditions. It can be easily managed by lifestyle modifications and taking over-the-counter medication. You can get relief by taking natural remedies like ginger tea, yogurt and chamomile. Consult a doctor if symptoms persist more than 2 weeks.
Indigestion can result from many factors. There are many treatment options, including lifestyle modifications and medications as well as natural remedies. Consult a doctor if the symptoms persist or are severe.