Indigestion is characterized by the presence of persistent or recurrent pain, discomfort in the mid to upper abdomen. It is also characterized by presence of bloating, feeling of fullness after meals, early satiety and excessive burping. It also involves presence of nausea, heartburn, recurrent vomiting and nutritional problems.

Symptoms of indigestion

• Early feeling of fullness during meals.
• Uneasiness or uncomfortable fullness after meal.
• Pain in the upper part of the abdomen
• Burning sensation in the upper abdomen.
• Nausea, vomiting
• Bloating sensation in the stomach.

Causes of indigestion

• Gastro esophageal reflux disease
• Ulcers in the stomach
• Overeating.
• Eating fatty, spicy or oily foods.
• Excess of alcohol intake.
• Excess of caffeine intake.
• Smoking.
• Pancreatitis.
• Gastritis.
• Gall bladder stones.
• Dysmotility disorders like esophageal spasms or weak esophageal contractions
• Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, certain antibiotics, steroids, iron tablets, calcium tablets.
• Stress

Treatment of indigestion

• Antacids
• H-2-receptor antagonists
• Proton pump inhibitors.
• Prokinetics
• Antibiotics if there is infection with Helicobacter pylori

Prevention of indigestion

It is advised to take smaller and frequent meals.

Avoid fatty, spicy foods, carbonated beverages, caffeine, alcohol and smoking which trigger indigestion.

Maintain healthy weight: If you are overweight there will be more pressure on abdomen causing pushing up of stomach and return of acid to esophagus.

Avoid stress. Try relaxation techniques to combat stress like deep breathing, yoga and meditation.

Avoid excess use of drugs like NSAID’S, antibiotics, steroids etc.