Indigestion also known as Dyspepsia.
Most Individuals can experience Indigestion at times, which usually does not indicate anything serious and can easily be treated.
Acid Reflux is when acid from your stomach irritates the throat or stomach lining, causing Indigestion. When experiencing Indigestion symptoms of discomfort or pain in the chest area alongside Heartburn can happen, which is a burning sensation behind the breastbone, after eating or drinking.
Other symptoms of Indigestion can be feeling full and bloated, a sick feeling, burping, passing wind, swallowing problems, or bringing up bitter tasting bits of food or fluid into your mouth, although, more recently experiencing the fluid in the mouth symptom is associated to the condition Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disorder (GORD), which can quite often be viewed as Indigestion.
Consider the following if you suffer with Indigestion:
- Cut down on drinks such as tea, coffee, alcohol, or fizzy drinks.
- At bedtime prop yourself up with pillows so that your head and shoulders are raised, to avoid Acid Reflux when you sleep.
- Practice Mindfulness and relaxation techniques, to reduce Stress and Anxiety, which when elevated can be a contributing factor to Indigestion.
- If you are overweight, consider ways to becoming a healthier weight.
- Avoid spicy and fatty foods.
- Quit smoking.
- Try not to eat for a few hours before going to bed.
- Do not take medications such as Ibuprofen or Aspirin, unless prescribed by your GP, as these can make Indigestion worse.
It is common in pregnant women due to hormonal changes and the baby pressing on the stomach to experience Indigestion; a Pharmacist can advise on what they can take.
Consider speaking with your local Pharmacist who can advise on alternative medicines that can help Indigestion.
On some occasions Indigestion could be an indication of something more seriousness, such as stomach Cancer or a Stomach Ulcer, which is why it is important for anyone experiencing symptoms of Indigestion regularly to contact their GP to be assessed.
References:
Indigestion – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Indigestion (Dyspepsia): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment | Patient
