Indigestion Causes

Indigestion is an umbrella term that encompasses symptoms of feeling satiated during meals or after having meals. Medically referred to as dyspepsia, it is a common health problem that affects many people, irrespective of the age groups. In fact, everyone of us pass through indigestion at some point or the other in life. Nevertheless, it is most common amongst adult individuals, in which some of them manifest indigestion symptoms almost everyday. Educating oneself on indigestion causes is the most practical solution to reduce incidences of this annoying problem.

Indigestion Causes and Symptoms

According to health experts, indigestion is basically a symptom, but not a disease by itself. The health conditions that cause indigestion are stomach ulcer, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and gallbladder disorders. Many times, indigestion is exacerbated due to consumption of certain foods and beverages. Thus, the lifestyle habit of an individual is also responsible for triggering dyspepsia. Listed below are some causes of indigestion:

• Amongst many people, eating too fast or overconsumption of foods are main causes of indigestion.
• Very spicy foods, oily foods or those loaded with fats are difficult to digest, thus leading to dyspepsia symptoms.
• Some foods that increase indigestion problems are caffeine, chocolate, carbonated drinks, etc.
• Indigestion is also triggered due to nervousness and emotional trauma.
• Stress and anxiety affect the overall health of a person, including digestive system, which in turn cause indigestion.
• It can also be developed as a sign of stomach inflammation (gastritis), pancreas inflammation (pancreatitis) and stomach cancer.
• Side effect of medicines (antibiotics, aspirin, steroids) is another leading cause of indigestion.
• People who indulge in excess alcohol consumption are susceptible to severe indigestion.
• The incidences of indigestion are also high among individuals who smoke regularly.

It is also not unusual to experience indigestion signs without any causal reason behind it. In such cases, the condition is referred to as functional dyspepsia and is found to be one of the chronic indigestion causes. Under functional indigestion, the ability of the stomach to accept and digest food is impaired due to unknown factors. Consequently, the stomach fails to pass down partially digested food particles to the small intestine.

Based on the causal factor, indigestion symptoms may be acute or chronic. The notable signs of indigestion are feeling fullness after meals, excess gas formation or flatulence, loss of appetite, nausea and feeling uneasy. In some patients, indigestion causes chest pain, discomfort in the chest area and back pain. Indigestion and heartburn are often used concurrently, though both are different medical problems having varied underlying causes. Oftentimes, an individual show symptoms of both indigestion and heartburn.

Indigestion Treatment and Remedies

Although consulting a qualified physician is the ultimate solution for addressing indigestion problems, one can try out effective remedies to improve digestive health at home. Some of the effectual ways to get indigestion relief are slow eating, small serving, healthy diet, control weight, regular exercise and proper stress management. Last but not the least, make lifestyle changes and avoid triggers, such as smoking and alcohol consumption. If medicinal side effects are the main cause, consult concerned physician for reducing dosage and medicine alteration (if possible).

In cases of patients, who do not get relief from symptoms, even after practicing indigestion remedies, taking advice from the doctor is imperative. The doctor may conduct laboratory tests such as X-ray, blood tests, stool analysis and upper endoscopy. Based on the diagnostic test results, medicines like antacids, proton pump inhibitors, antibiotics or other appropriate drugs will be recommended in proper dose for indigestion treatment. Indigestion causes and cures are related, because the therapeutic option depends entirely upon the underlying reason. In short, dyspepsia remedies and/or medicines may vary from one patient to another. So, do not end up having indigestion medications without medical supervision.