Indigestion of Digestive Disorders

Indigestion of Digestive Disorders

Indigestion is a general term used to describe discomfort in the upper abdomen. It's not a disease, but rather a collection of symptoms. It may be described as a feeling of fullness, belching, bloating and nausea. 

Causes of Digestive Disorders

Overeating is the commonest cause of indigestion. In some persons it occurs after drinking wine or carbonated drinks or eating particular foods. It may also be caused by eating too fast or overeating. Spicy foods, high-fibre foods, fatty foods, or too much caffeine can aggravate this problem. Anxiety and depression can also precipitate indigestion. Other causes are tobacco smoking, stress and drugs such as antibiotics. Pain killing drugs such as aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are notorious for causing indigestion. Persistent indigestion may point to other digestive conditions : 

Heartburn : Regurgitation or back flow of the stomach acid into the oesophagus is known as acid reflux. This produces burning pain in the upper abdomen and under the breastbone. There may be associated symptoms like nausea and sour taste in the mouth. 

Gastritis : Gastritis is inflammation of the lining of the stomach . It produces a gnawing or burning pain in the stomach or upper abdomen. 

Gallstones : Gallstones are solid deposits of cholesterol or calcium salts that form in the gall bladder or nearby bile ducts. Gallstones cause chronic indigestion, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. 

Diseases, which can produce indigestion like symptoms are :

• Cholecystitis (inflammation of the gall bladder)

• Acute or chronic gastritis

• Acute or chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)

• Duodenal ulcer 

• Gastric ulcer (ulcer in the stomach)

• Rarely, the discomfort of a heart attack is mistaken for indigestion. Symptoms of possible heart attack include jaw pain and chest pain, back pain and profuse sweating. 

Consult the doctor if

• Symptoms last longer than two weeks. 
  The pattern of indigestion symptoms changes noticeably.
  Abdominal pain persists longer than six hours. 
  Symptoms include unexplained weight loss. 
  There is vomiting of blood or passage of blood in the stool along with indigestion. 
  There is dark coloured urine and yellow colouring of the white of the eyes (jaundice) along with indigestion. 

Diagnosis of Digestive Disorders

Diagnostic tests are done to exclude diseases that can produce indigestion - like symptoms. The tests that may be performed include : 

• Blood tests (depending on the suspected cause)
  Endoscopy
  X-ray: upper GI and small bowel series ( with barium)
  Abdominal ultrasound. 

Prevention of Digestive Disorders

Preventive measures are : 

• Do not eat rapidly. Chew the food thoroughly.
  Avoid excitement or conflicts during meals. 
  Avoid exercise immediately after a meal. 
  Avoid chewing gum - it may cause air swallowing. 
  Avoid aspirin and NSAIDs ( use acetaminophen instead). If they must be taken, take them after meals. 

To avoid indigestion, eat fruit in place of fried snacks. Drink water and fruit juices instead of alcohol. Do not eat till your belt feels the strain. Eat small portions. Always eat at least a few hours before going to bed. Do not keep the TV in the dining room. Take a 30-minute walk and wearing loose clothes make feel more comfortable. 

Treatment of Digestive Disorders

It depends on the cause of digestion. If overeating is the cause for indigestion, then enzyme tablets after meals will provide relief. If indigestion is associated with foul smelling gases, then drugs like metronidazole or tinidazole will help in reducing the symptoms. 

Stomach Bloating or Abdominal Distension.
Abdominal pain
Endoscopic procedures
Constipation
Diagnosis and Treatment of Constipation
Medications and Complications
Indigestion