Indigestion
Indigestion is a general term that encompasses a variety of uncomfortable sensations experienced in the abdomen, such as burning, fullness, bloating, and gnawing. While common causes include acid reflux and ulcers, other factors may contribute to these feelings, such as lactose intolerance, which occurs when the body struggles to digest dairy, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), characterized by alternating diarrhea and constipation. Rarer conditions, like diffuse esophageal spasm and gallbladder inflammation, can also present similar discomfort. Given the broad range of potential causes, it is essential to differentiate indigestion from other medical issues, including cardiac pain and psychological factors.
Treatment usually begins with lifestyle adjustments, like identifying and avoiding trigger foods (notably dairy and wheat) and adopting habits such as eating slowly or having smaller, more frequent meals. Over-the-counter remedies may offer relief for some, while persistent symptoms or additional concerning signs—such as difficulty swallowing or weight loss—necessitate further medical evaluation through tests like blood work or an endoscopy. Overall, understanding the underlying causes of indigestion is crucial for effective management and ensuring any serious health conditions are addressed.
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Subject Terms
Indigestion
Also known as:Functional dyspepsia
Anatomy or system affected:Gastrointestinal system
Definition:Discomfort in the abdomen following meals.
Causes and Symptoms
Indigestion is a nonspecific term used to describe a variety of sensations. Burning, fullness, gaseousness, and a gnawing sensation in the abdomen are all symptoms that patients may describe as indigestion. While some people who complain of indigestion have acid reflux disease or ulcers, these are by no means the only causes. Fullness or bloating following the ingestion of milk, cheese, or other dairy products may be symptoms of lactose intolerance. This is one of the few cases of indigestion that is truly a problem in the digestive process, namely in the breakdown of milk sugars. Abdominal discomfort associated with alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation may signal irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). More rare causes of similar discomfort include diffuse esophageal spasm, in which the food pipe contracts abnormally, and inflammation in the gallbladder.
Since the term “indigestion” is so vague, care must be taken to distinguish it from cardiac pain (angina). Psychiatric causes of abdominal pain must also be considered, especially when other etiologies have been ruled out.
Treatment and Therapy
Since the causes of indigestion are so varied, it is useful to arrive at a more precise diagnosis before offering treatment. Prior to embarking on a lengthy workup, however, some simple measures should be attempted. If symptoms resolve entirely with these measures, then no further investigation or treatment is usually required. Any particular foods that appear to worsen symptoms should be eliminated from the diet. This is especially true for dairy products and wheat, which are offensive factors in lactose intolerance and celiac sprue, respectively. Patients should also try avoiding spicy foods for a period of time. Eating slowly and having frequent small meals are good habits for people with indigestion. Some people find relief with over-the-counter remedies such as magnesium or bismuth mixtures. Histamine blockers can also be tried, especially if acid reflux is suspected.
If symptoms persist, or if they are accompanied by trouble swallowing, vomiting, weight loss, or a change in bowel movements, then more thorough investigation is needed. This is often done through blood tests, X rays, or endoscopy. Indigestion could be a sign of autoimmune disorders like IBS and it can be a preliminary sign of serious illness such as cancer.
Bibliography
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