Alien asked:


Description

Indigestion is a symptom that is caused by a number of stomach conditions, including hiatal hernia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Helicobacter pylori, heartburn, and dyspepsia. Because many of these conditions can pose serious health risks, it is important to visit your healthcare provider in order to properly diagnose the reason for your indigestion. The condition usually occurs after eating. People experience indigestion for a variety of reasons-after eating a specific food, after eating too much food, after drinking alcohol or carbonated beverages, or after smoking cigarettes. The frequency of occurrence also varies from person to person. Approximately one in ten adults experiences indigestion weekly, while approximately one in three experiences it monthly.

Heartburn, a problem affecting the esophagus, is perhaps the most common type of indigestion. Your esophagus is a 10-inch-long tube leading from the back of your mouth to your stomach. Food travels down the esophagus to the lower esophageal sphincter, a muscle that opens to allow food to pass into the stomach and closes to prevent food and acids from escaping from the stomach into the esophagus. Heartburn occurs when this lower esophageal sphincter is weak or dysfunctional, allowing stomach acid to escape.

People who are overweight are at increased risk for developing indigestion because excess weight can increase pressure on the abdomen which, in turn, can make it difficult for the lower esophageal sphincter to stay tightly shut. Pregnant women also experience a higher incidence of the condition because they, too, experience increased pressure on the abdomen. In addition, people who smoke are at increased risk because cigarettes relax the lower esophageal sphincter.

Signs and Symptoms

Abdominal tenderness and distention

Feeling of fullness and discomfort in the upper abdomen

Burning sensation in the chest, often originating in the upper abdomen and radiating to the neck

Regurgitation of bitter liquid into the throat or mouth, commonly when lying down

Nausea and vomiting

Conventional Medical Treatment

If you suffer from indigestion only occasionally, you may experience relief by taking over-the-Counter antacids, which neutralize gastric acids. You also can prevent future cases of indigestion by avoiding any food or drink that irritate your stomach.

If you experience indigestion frequently, see your doctor, who will try to determine when your indigestion occurs, what foods and drinks seem to trigger it, in what part of the abdomen the discomfort is strongest, and how long it typically last. Your physician also may want to run a series of tests to make sure that your indigestion is not being caused by a more serious condition, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, colon cancer, stomach ulcer, gastritis, pancreatic disease, or irritable bowel syndrome. A barium X-ray, endoscopic examination of the digestive tract, or stool sample may be necessary. In order to rule out disorders of the pancreas, liver, or gallbladder, your doctor also may recommend an ultrasound examination of those organs.

If over-the-counter products do not offer relief, your physician may prescribe cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), famotidine (Pepcid), or omeprazole (Prilosec) to block acid production in the stomach. A medication that increases the strength of the lower esophageal sphincter, such as metocopramide or bethanechol, also may be prescribed.



Ramon

Juliet Cohen asked:


Acid indigestion is a type of indigestion involving an excess of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Indigestion resulting from hyperchlorhydria; often used colloquially as a synonym for pyrosis. Indigestion is the term used to describe pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen or chest after meals. Sometimes it is also used to describe a distinctive burning feeling in the chest, known as heartburn. Acid indigestion should be distinguished from heartburn, which typically involves aggravation of the esophagus. Indigestion and heartburn are common problems for both kids and grownups.

Stress, not enough sleep, smoking, or drinking alcohol also can make indigestion worse. Foods with too much fat, spicy food, alcohol, caffeine, overeating, exercising or lying down soon after a meal, stress, smoking can cause acid indigestion. Aging can also contribute to frequent indigestion. Digestive problems, such as ulcers, can cause the symptoms of indigestion and heartburn, too. There are a few things you can do to reduce your symptoms of indigestion cut down on fatty foods, tea, coffee and alcohol eat little and often, stop smoking and sleep in a more upright position, propped up on a pillow.

H2 blockers work by reducing the amount of acid that the stomach produces. Natural ingredients in supplements to aid in relieving acid indigestion or upset stomach also help to support and maintain continued good health as a whole. Aromatherapy can relieve an upset stomach. Ginger in tea or tablet form relieves gas and reduces bloating and pain. Slippery elm bark in tea or tablet form helps form a protective coating in the stomach. Chamomile in tea or tablet form has antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and gas-relieving effects. Peppermint in tea or tablet form contains menthol and has an antispasmodic effect on the digestive tract.

It relieves gas and stomach cramps. Ginger in tea or tablet form relieves gas and reduces bloating and pain. A tablespoon of cinnamon water, taken after an hour after meals, relieves flatulence and indigestion. Ground cardamom seed mixed with ginger, cloves and coriander is an effective remedy for indigestion. Ground cardamom seed mixed with ginger, cloves and coriander is an effective remedy for indigestion. Slippery elm bark in tea or tablet form helps form a protective coating in the stomach. Aloe vera gel helps soothe the stomach. Charcoal absorbs medications and should not be taken within two hours of taking any medicine.



Vincent