Indigestion is a vague feeling of abdominal discomfort -- possibly including belching, heartburn, a feeling of fullness, bloating, and nausea.
Alternative NamesDyspepsia; Uncomfortable fullness after meals
ConsiderationsIndigestion is usually not a serious health problem, unless other symptoms also occur such as weight loss or trouble swallowing.
Indigestion is a common problem. It may be triggered by eating particular foods, or drinking alcoholic or carbonated drinks. It may also be caused by eating too fast or by overeating. Some people may find that spicy foods, high-fiber foods, fatty foods, or too much caffeine can all make this problem worse. Symptoms may be worsened by anxiety and depression.
Rarely, the discomfort of a heart attack is mistaken for indigestion.
Common CausesSeek immediate medical help if your symptoms include jaw pain, chest pain, Back pain, profuse sweating, anxiety, or a feeling of impending doom. These are possible heart attack symptoms.
Call your health care provider if:
Your doctor will perform a physical examination, paying special attention to the stomach area and digestive tract. You will be asked questions about your symptoms, including:
The following tests may be performed:
Talley N. Functional gastrointestinal disorders: irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia, and noncardiac chest pain. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 139.
Indigestion (dyspepsia) is a vague feeling of discomfort in the upper belly or abdomen during or right after eating. This may include:
Bloating or nausea are less common symptoms.
Indigestion is NOT the same as heartburn.
Alternative NamesDyspepsia; Uncomfortable fullness after meals
ConsiderationsIndigestion is usually not a sign of a more serious health problem, unless other symptoms also occur, such as weight loss or trouble swallowing.
Indigestion is a common problem.
Rarely, the discomfort of a heart attack is mistaken for indigestion.
Common CausesIndigestion may be triggered by:
Other causes of indigestion are:
Changing the way you eat may relieve your symptoms.
Avoid aspirin and other NSAIDs. If you must take them, do so on a full stomach.
Antacids may relieve indigestion.
Medications you can buy without a prescription, such as ranitidine (Zantac) and omeprazole (Prilosec OTC) can relieve symptoms. Your doctor may also prescribe these medicines in higher doses or for longer periods of time.
Call your health care provider ifSeek immediate medical help if your symptoms include jaw pain, chest pain, back pain, profuse sweating, anxiety, or a feeling of impending doom. These are possible heart attack symptoms.
Call your health care provider if:
Your doctor will perform a physical examination, paying special attention to the stomach area and digestive tract. You will be asked questions about your symptoms, including:
The following tests may be performed:
Tack J. Dyspepsia. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2010:chap 13.
Talley N. Functional gastrointestinal disorders: irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia, and noncardiac chest pain. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 139.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 02/04/2011
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and George F Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
also know as indigestion
also know as indigestion
"I have an indigestion in my throat!" ************ "Do you have heartburn?" "Yeah- that pizza gave me indigestion. Got any Tums?"
Remember that "indigestion" is a noun. You could say something like: "The tacos gave him indigestion" or "Indigestion can be caused by gulping food". It's frequently used in the objective case.
Indigestion can be CAUSED by poor digestion
"Dyspepsia" is indigestion. "Emotional dyspepsia" is an emotional cause for indigestion.
Don't eat too quickly, and if you feel indigestion coming, take an antacid.
Indigestion is caused by an excess of stomach acid - causing 'Heart Burn.' Anti-indigestion tablets or liquids are used to neutralise the acid, and so relieve the symptoms of indigestion. There are many over the counter medicines that can be used. If the indigestion persists for several days, it could indicate something more serious. Possibly an ulcer - so see your doctor.
you can get indigestion from anything you eat. Its all about how your stomach reacts to it, or maybe it was turning.
would constant indigestion be a sympton of colon cancer
Indigestion can be soothed with medication.Indigestion is commonly caused by eating too fast. But it can also be caused by underlying medical conditions if it happens too frequently.The dog has indigestion.
indigestion