What is Indigestion?
Indigestion is not a disease. Indigestion is also known as dyspepsia, upset stomach — terms that describe discomfort in your upper abdomen. Each person experiences Indigestion in a slightly different way, and some of the symptoms are abdominal pain and a feeling of tightness soon after you eating. This condition may happen occasionally or daily.
Sometimes, Indigestion occurs from a digestive disease, and some other times can be mild and treatable with lifestyle changes and medication.
What causes Indigestion?
Indigestion may be triggered by food, drink, or medication.
Common causes of Indigestion include:
- Anxiety
- Certain antibiotics, pain relievers, and iron supplements
- Fatty, greasy or spicy foods
- Inflammation of the stomach (gastritis)
- Overeating or eating too quickly
- Smoking
- Over intake of caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, or carbonated beverages
Indigestion caused by other digestive conditions:
- Celiac disease
- Constipation
- Gallstones
- Intestinal blockage
- Peptic ulcers
- Pancreatitis
- Stomach cancer
Functional or non-ulcer dyspepsia is known as Indigestion with no known cause.
How is Indigestion treated?
Lifestyle can ease Indigestion.
- Avoid indigestion triggers
- Eating more than three small meals instead of a couple of large ones.
- Reduce alcohol and caffeine intake
- Avoid pain relievers, aspirin, ibuprofen, among others.
- Stress and anxiety management