INDIGESTION

INDIGESTION
What is it?
Indigestion refers to discomfort in the upper abdomen or lower chest
Symptoms: Some of the following symptoms may be present: General sense of discomfort in the upper abdomen or lower chest, Heartburn, Nausea, Acid or bilious taste in the mouth, Belching.
Causes: Overindulgence in food and drink, eating too quickly, Eating very rich, fatty or spicy foods, pregnancy, stress, other diseases, for example hitus herna, gallstones, peptic ulcer.
Treatment in the home: Take an antacid or a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda dissolved in water, don’t eat foods that bring on symptoms. Avoid coffee, rich, spicy and fatty foods. Limit alcohol intake, lose weight if you are overweight, eat regularly and don’t rush when eating, don’t wear tight clothing, if you need to take a painkiller, avoid aspirin: use paracetamol instead.
Possible complications: Cause related
When to consult a doctor: If the symptoms are persistent or get progressively worse, if there is abdominal pain, vomiting, cough or weight loss.
What the doctor may do: Examine you to determine if the indigestion is caused by an underlying disease, if indigestion is diagnosed, prescribe antacid, Arrange a diagnosis test
If an underlying disease is suspected. These may include X-rays of the stomach and duodenum or gallbladder or a direct vision examination e.g. gastroscopy.