Indigestion, stomach upset or Dyspepsia are general terms to describe upper abdominal discomfort. Patient may feel upper abdominal pain, fullness, nausea, bloating, belching or 'Gas'. Often indigestion is related to lifestyle and may be triggered by food, drinks or medications. Overeating, fatty or spicy food, caffeine, alcohol, chocolate or carbonated drinks, smoking, anxiety, antibiotics, pain killers or iron supplements are some of the common causes of indigestion. Sometimes it is a symptom of underlying digestive tract diseases like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, H pylori infection, Cancer or other abnormalities of pancreas and bile duct. Indigestion with no obvious cause is called as Functional Dyspepsia.
Although indigestion doesn't usually have serious complications, it may affect the quality of life adversely. As it can be a symptom of more serious underlying condition, one should see a doctor right away if you experience any of these Alarming Symptoms:
Blood in vomiting
Unexplained Weight loss
Black tarry stools
Difficult or painful swallowing
Indigestion accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, pain radiating to the jaw, neck or left arm.

Indigestion is usually diagnosed on the basis of patient's history and physical examination. At times blood test, abdominal ultrasound, endoscopy, small bowel X Rays, CT scan or MRI may be required to diagnose underlying disease.

Lifestyle and dietary modifications are usually the first line of treatment. It includes eating non fatty and non spicy food, avoiding or quitting alcohol, caffeine and smoking, losing weight etc. Medical management includes antacids, H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors with or without prokinetic drugs. Treatment is usually centered on treating the underlying cause.
The prognosis for indigestion is generally good if it is caused by lifestyle factors.
So eat healthy to keep your digestion strong.

Dr Sandeep Bhagat 
MD, DNB, MNAMS, FISG.

Gastro OPD Time: 2PM to 4PM

Monday to Saturday