Indigestion, also known as upset stomach or dyspepsia, is a painful or burning feeling in the upper abdomen, often accompanied by nausea, abdominal bloating, belching, and sometimes vomiting.
Indigestion might be caused by a disease or an ulcer in the digestive tract, but for most people, it results from eating too much, eating too quickly, eating high-fat foods, or eating during stressful situations. Smoking, drinking too much alcohol, using medications that irritate the stomach lining, being tired, and having ongoing stress can also cause indigestion or make it worse.
Some people have persistent indigestion that is not related to any of these factors. This type of indigestion–called functional or nonulcer indigestion–is caused by a problem in how food moves through the digestive tract.
To diagnose indigestion, the doctor first rules out other problems, like ulcers. In the process of diagnosis, a person may have x-rays of the stomach and small intestine or undergo endoscopy, in which the doctor uses an instrument to look closely at the inside of the stomach.
Avoiding the foods and situations that seem to cause indigestion is the most successful way to treat it. Excess stomach acid does not cause or result from indigestion, so antacids are not an appropriate treatment, although some people report that they do help. Smokers can help relieve their indigestion by quitting smoking, or at least not smoking right before eating. Exercising with a full stomach may cause indigestion, so scheduling exercise before a meal or at least an hour afterward might help.
To treat indigestion caused by a functional problem in the digestive tract, the doctor may prescribe medicine that affects stomach movement.
Because indigestion can be a sign of or mimic a more serious disease, people should see a doctor if they have:
- Vomiting, weight loss, or appetite loss.
- Black tarry stools or blood in vomit.
- Severe pain in the upper right abdomen.
- Discomfort unrelated to eating.
- Indigestion accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, or pain radiating to the jaw, neck, or arm.
Additional Information on Indigestion
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The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC) is a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). NIDDK is part of the National Institutes of Health under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Established in 1980, the clearinghouse provides information about digestive diseases to people with digestive disorders and to their families, health care professionals, and the public. NDDIC answers inquiries; develops, reviews, and distributes publications; and works closely with professional and patient organizations and Government agencies to coordinate resources about digestive diseases.
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