Symptoms of Indigestion: Do I have it?
Understanding the various indigestion symptoms can help you control this ailment.
Symptoms of Indigestion: Do I have it?
Indigestion, or Dyspepsia, occurs when stomach acid comes into touch with the mucosa, the lining of the digestive system. The acid breaks down the mucosa, causing inflammation and irritation, triggering the symptoms of indigestion. Even though indigestion is a fairly common problem, if allowed to worsen it can start to hinder your day-to-day life.
Do I have it?
Indigestion can be caused by various factors, but a unhealthy lifestyle is considered to be the biggest cause of stomach indigestion. Most of the time indigestion is experienced after having a heavy meal, or eating food that does not suit the body. Having excessive amounts of alcohol, psychological factors such as stress, and tension can also trigger indigestion.
In some cases a person may suffer from indigestion more frequently than others. The symptoms may range from slight discomfort in stomach or chest area, to a few hours of pain. Sometimes these symptoms may be accompanied by vomiting and nausea.
Common indigestion symptoms:
- Pain behind the ribs
- Rumbling and a growling stomach
- Complaint of feeling bloated and uncomfortably full even after eating a small meal
- A continuous need to burp, pass wind or belch after eating
- Mild pain in the chest or top of the stomach
- Nausea or vomiting
- Pain in the upper abdomen
- Bitter or acidic taste in the mouth
Fortunately with proper medications such as Bioconcepts Ginger or Weleda Melissa Comp Drops, indigestion can be effectively treated. You can also prevent indigestion by avoiding overly spicy, sweet, or oily foods and controlling your eating habits by not overeating. Exercising on a regular basis and having light meals for dinner will also greatly help to curb indigestion.
When to go to the Doctor?
Usually, indigestion starts after eating foods that don't agree with your body, or while taking medications that trigger indigestion. However, if you regularly suffer from indigestion and stomach pains even after having a healthy diet and regular exercise, you should consult a doctor to diagnose your problem.
Contact your doctor if you suffer from any of the following symptoms in addition to the regular indigestion symptoms:
- Constant vomiting, especially with blood in it
- Rapid weight loss
- Feeling shortness of breath from time to time
- Intense stomach pain
- No appetite for many days
- Seeing blood in your stool
These symptoms can be the sign of a more serious condition, so make sure you consult your doctor as soon as possible. Seek proper medical care, if these indigestion symptoms worsen, recur or are persistent.