| Alternative Names: |
Dyspepsia; Uncomfortable fullness after meals
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| Considerations: |
Indigestion is rarely a serious health problem, unless it is accompanied by other symptoms.
Indigestion is a common problem. It may be triggered by eating particular foods or after drinking wine or carbonated drinks. It may also be caused by eating too fast or overeating. Some people may find that spicy foods, high-fiber foods, fatty foods, or too much caffeine can all aggravate this problem. Symptoms may be worsened by anxiety and depression.
Rarely, the discomfort of a heart attack is mistaken for indigestion. However, usually there are other symptoms along with the abdominal discomfort if it is actually a heart attack.
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| Common Causes: |
- Overeating
- Eating too fast
- Significant caffeine intake
- Eating fatty or greasy foods
- Overindulgence in alcohol
- Tobacco smoking
- Eating spicy foods
- Emotional trauma or nervousness
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Cholecystitis (inflammation of the gall bladder)
- Acute or chronic gastritis (inflammation of the stomach)
- Acute or chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
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Duodenal ulcer
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Gastric ulcer
- Drugs such as antibiotics, aspirin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
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| Home Care: |
Allow time for leisurely meals. Chew food carefully and thoroughly. Avoid conflicts during meals. Avoid excitement or exercise immediately after a meal. Avoid chewing gum -- it may cause air swallowing. A calm environment and rest may help relieve stress-related dyspepsia.
Avoid aspirin and NSAIDs (use acetaminophen instead). If you must take them, do so on a full stomach. Antacids may relieve indigestion. Stronger medications are available over-the-counter, such as ranitidine (Zantac). Your doctor may prescribe similar medications, or more potent ones such as omeprazole (Prilosec).
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| Call your health care provider if: |
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| What to expect at your health care provider's office: |
The medical history will be obtained, and a physical examination performed.
Medical history questions documenting indigestion in detail may include:
- Aggravating factors
- Does it begin (or is it worse) after eating particular foods?
- Does it begin (or is it worse) after drinking wine or other alcoholic drinks or carbonated drinks?
- Eating habits
- Do you eat fast?
- Have you been overeating?
- Have you changed your diet? Particularly, have you had any spicy foods, high-fiber foods, or fatty foods? Have you increased your intake of caffeine?
- Medications
- What medications are you taking?
- Have you changed medications recently?
- Other symptoms
The physical examination will probably include emphasis on the abdominal region and digestive system.
Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:
After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to indigestion to your personal medical record.
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