Indigestion

Indigestion (dyspepsia) is not a disease or a specific condition. It is a symptom of disorder of the upper part of the digestive system. The term is also used for any symptoms that are attributed, not necessarily correctly, to digestive upset

Most cases of indigestion are caused by eating too rapidly, inadequate chewing or fatty diets. Smoking and stress can make the symptoms worse. Some medicines, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, may cause indigestion and stomach ulcers.

Indigestion may be caused by one of several conditions. These include:

inflammation of the gullet (oesophagitis)

hiatus hernia

stomach acid rising into the gullet (reflux oesophagitis)

inflammation of the stomach (gastritis)

stomach or duodenal ulcer

disorders of the gall bladder

alcohol abuse, especially of spirits

stomach cancer

The term indigestion is sometimes used to refer to difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia). Air swallowing is a common response to stress. It is also a feature of rapid eating. Some of this air may be passed along the bowel to increase the normal amount of gas.

The term usually refers to discomfort in the upper abdomen, heartburn, a tendency to burping, nausea or a sense of bloated fullness. A common feature of indigestion is air swallowing (aerophagy).

The most important cases of indigestion are those that come on for no apparent reason. Such cases require proper medical investigation. The same applies to recent difficulty in swallowing. These should never be ignored or neglected.

Most cases of indigestion can be treated successfully with medicines that reduce the excess acid, such as antacids and H-2 antagonist drugs like cimetidine (Tagamet).

However, these should not be the first line of treatment for indigestion. The safe approach is to find the cause, and to prevent the symptoms from occurring by making simple lifestyle and diet changes where appropriate. Certain medicines can cause indigestion in some people, so you should always discuss this with your doctor if you think that this could be a cause of the discomfort.

If the indigestion continues, your doctor may want to send you for further investigation of your digestive system. Endoscopy is widely used and this involves gently feeding a small tube containing a tiny camera into the stomach (via the mouth) to try to find a cause for the condition.

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Most cases of indigestion can be prevented by eating less, eating more suitable food (e.g. less spicy, lower in fat), and eating more slowly.

Try to reduce stress, cut down on smoking and alcohol intake, and avoid eating large meals just before bedtime as this can make the symptoms worse.

If you are taking medication which causes indigestion, discuss this with your doctor and/or pharmacist, who can tell you about suitable alternatives.

However, if your indigestion does not get better, consult your doctor to rule out any serious causes. NHSDEC07