Indigestion relief awaits. Discover remedies, lifestyle changes, and medical treatments to soothe discomfort and restore digestive harmony.
What Causes Indigestion?
Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, is a common condition that can cause discomfort and pain in the upper abdomen. It is often described as a burning sensation or gnawing pain that occurs after eating.1 While indigestion can be a temporary issue, it can also be a chronic condition that requires medical treatment. There are several factors that can contribute to indigestion, including:
- Eating certain foods: Some foods are more likely to cause indigestion than others. Common culprits include fatty or fried foods, spicy foods, caffeinated beverages, and alcohol. Eating large meals or eating too quickly can also contribute to indigestion.
- Underlying medical conditions: Certain medical conditions can cause or worsen indigestion, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcers, and gallbladder disease. Hiatal hernias, which occur when part of the stomach protrudes through an opening in the diaphragm, can also lead to indigestion.
- Medications: Some medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and certain antibiotics, can cause indigestion as a side effect.
- Lifestyle factors: Smoking, drinking alcohol, and being overweight or obese can all increase the risk of indigestion.
Indigestion Relief: What Works?
There are several things that can be done to relieve indigestion, including:
- Lifestyle changes: Making some simple changes to one’s lifestyle can help to reduce the risk of indigestion, such as avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals, and eating slowly. Avoiding smoking, drinking alcohol, and maintaining a healthy weight can also help.
- Over-the-counter medications: There are several over-the-counter medications that can help to relieve indigestion, such as antacids, H2 receptor antagonists, and proton pump inhibitors. These medications work by reducing the production of stomach acid.
- Prescription medications: For more severe cases of indigestion, prescription medications may be necessary. These medications include proton pump inhibitors, H2 receptor antagonists, and prokinetics. Prokinetics help to speed up the movement of food through the stomach and intestines.
Indigestion Treatment Options
In some cases, indigestion may require medical treatment. Treatment options may include:
- Lifestyle changes: As mentioned above, making some simple changes to one’s lifestyle can help to reduce the risk of indigestion. These changes include avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals, and eating slowly.2 Avoiding smoking, drinking alcohol, and maintaining a healthy weight can also help.
- Medications: There are several medications that can be used to treat indigestion, including antacids, H2 receptor antagonists, proton pump inhibitors, and prokinetics. These medications work by reducing the production of stomach acid or by speeding up the movement of food through the stomach and intestines.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat indigestion. Surgery may be an option for people who have a hiatal hernia or who have not responded to other treatments.
Learn More About Indigestion
Indigestion is a common condition that can affect people of all ages. While it is often a temporary issue, it can also be a chronic condition that requires medical treatment. There are several things that can be done to relieve indigestion, including making lifestyle changes, taking over-the-counter medications, and seeking medical treatment. If you are experiencing indigestion, talk to your doctor to determine the best course of treatment.