Dyspepsia (indigestion) is a mild discomfort in the upper abdomen or belly, it occurs during or immediately after eating. You may feel like you:

The sensation of heat, burning, or pain in the area between the navel and the lower part of the chest

Unpleasant feeling of fullness, which comes shortly after a meal or when the meal begins finished

Bloating and nausea are symptoms are less common.

Indigestion is not the same as heartburn.

Indigestion has a number of different reasons, but this is rarely given, serious underlying condition.

It is normal for your stomach to produce acid, but sometimes this acid can irritate the lining of the stomach, the upper part of the small intestine (duodenum) or gullet (esophagus).

This irritation can be painful and often causes a burning sensation. Indigestion may also be due to the gut wall to be too sensitive to the acid, or "stretching" caused by the consumption.

It can also cause indigestion or worse because of other factors. He explained some of these below.

Pharmaceutical

You may have indigestion if you are taking certain types of medication. Some drugs, such as nitrates (taken to widen blood vessels) relax the esophageal sphincter (a ring of muscle between the esophagus and the stomach), allowing him to escape backup of acid.

Other drugs, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can affect the digestive system and cause indigestion.

Do not take pain medication, such as aspirin and ibuprofen if you have stomach problems such as stomach ulcers, or was it in the past. Children must be under 16 years do not take aspirin.

Never stop taking medication unless you are prompted to do so by your doctor or other qualified health professional who is responsible for your care.

Obesity

If you are overweight, you are more likely to experience indigestion due to increased pressure in the stomach (abdomen).

Increased pressure, especially after eating a large meal can lead to acid reflux into the esophagus.

Stress or anxiety

If you regularly experience feelings of stress or anxiety, and this may contribute to the symptoms of indigestion.

Read some relaxation tips to relieve stress.

Hernia

Hernia occurs when the inside of the body, like the machine, getting a weakness in the muscle tissue of the wall or the ocean.

Hernia stopped when part of the stomach pushes up your veil septum occurs (a sheet of muscle under the lungs). It can partially block returned compensation acid from the stomach to the esophagus, causing heartburn.

Helicobacter pylori infection

Helicobacter infection is very common. It can lead to stomach ulcers, or rarely, and stomach cancer. In most cases, however, it causes no symptoms at all.

Some people may have bouts of indigestion of Helicobacter infection and, in these cases, and get rid of impurities with antibiotics (Judicial) will help. However, many cases of indigestion not caused by Helicobacter, and in these cases would be the judiciary is not to get rid of the symptoms.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common and one of the main reasons for the frequent indigestion digestion condition. And is caused by the acid reflux, which occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter fails to prevent stomach acid from moving into the esophagus.

A little bit of acid reflux is normal and rarely cause symptoms. Becomes GERD occurs when large amounts of these islands, and the lining of the esophagus, your sensitive can get the incentive of the repeated gastric acid irritation. This can lead to heartburn, and a sense of regurgitation or painful swallowing.

Ulcers

Open sore that develops on the inside of your stomach ulcers coating (gastric ulcer) or small intestine (duodenal ulcer). If you have a stomach ulcer, you may have indigestion as a symptom.

Ulcers form when damage to the stomach lining of the stomach or duodenal wall acid. In most cases, the damage to the lining due to H. pylori infection (see above).

Stomach Cancer

In rare cases, it may be repeated episodes of indigestion be stomach cancer symptoms.

Cancer cells in the lining of the stomach unbreakable, allowing the acid to contact with the stomach wall.

Home care

Changing the way you eat can help your symptoms. Steps you can take the following steps:

Allow enough time for meals.

Chew food carefully and completely.

Avoid controversy during meals.

Avoid excitement or exercise immediately after a meal.

Relax and rest if the cause indigestion due to stress.

Avoid aspirin and other anti-inflammatory steroids, non-steroidal. If you must take them, do so on a full stomach.

Antacids may relieve indigestion.

Drugs that can be bought without a prescription, such as ranitidine (Zantac) and omeprazole (Prilosec OTC) may relieve symptoms. The doctor may also prescribe these drugs at higher doses or for longer periods.

When contact one of the health professionals

Get help a physician immediately if symptoms include jaw pain, chest pain, back pain, excessive sweating, anxiety, or a feeling of impending doom. These are the symptoms of a heart attack.

Call your health care provider if you:

Symptoms of indigestion digestion change significantly

Symptoms last more than a few days

You have unexplained weight loss

You have a sudden, severe abdominal pain

Have difficulty swallowing

You have a yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

I was vomiting blood or blood in the stool

What to expect in an office visit

Your doctor will perform a physical examination on the area of ​​the stomach and the digestive system. You will be asked questions about your symptoms.

References

Mayer EA. Functional gastrointestinal disorders: irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion, and chest pain and functional on the alleged esophagus. In: Goldman L, Schafer Qaeda, eds. Cecil Medicine. Edition 24. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders. 2011: Chapter 139.

Update Date: 01/06/2013

Updated by: David C. DUGDALE, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. It also examined A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc., the editorial team: David Ziv, MD, MHA, Bethanne Black, Stephanie SLON and Nissi Wang.