DYSPEPSIA

DYSPEPSIA

Indigestion or dyspepsia is a common condition of irregular digestion in both men and women. It refers to a group of symptoms triggered by the abnormal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract majorly from the throat.

CAUSES

Indigestion could be stress related. Lifestyle such as smoking tobacco, drinking heavily, eating too much or too fast and drinking excess caffeine can also contribute to Indigestion. Anxiety may be a cause of indigestion as well. Patients with ulcer, diabetes, stomach cancer, pancreatitis, thyroid disease, stomach infections, gastritis, are also at higher risk of having indigestion.
Women may develop indigestion during the middle and late section of pregnancy. The problem could be hormonal, from the pressure the growing baby puts on the stomach which relaxes the muscles of the digestive tract.

SYMPTOMS

These may include loss of appetite to decreased appetite, bloating, excessive gas, growling stomach, abdominal pain, and heartburn, nausea with or without vomiting, general discomfort around the stomach, diarrhea or constipation, usually occurring after eating. Sometimes people have long-lasting indigestion that may not be related to any of these symptoms. This type is called functional or non-ulcer dyspepsia.

Functional dyspepsia could be chronic and it is usually difficult to treat. People with functional dyspepsia usually do not have obvious organic cause for their symptoms after evaluation. Symptoms may be increased sensitivity of the internal organs particularly in the stomach area, slow and or impaired gastric accommodation to food. Anxiety has also been implicated with functional dyspepsia. In some people, it appears before the onset of gut symptoms; in other cases, anxiety develops after onset of the disorder

TREATMENTS

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs can be taken, e.g Aspirin, Ibuprofen and many other pain relievers, some Antibiotics, Steroid and Thyroid medications can also be used. Also, antacids can be used in treating indigestion although antacids can result in diarrhea, constipation, nausea and headaches. 

There are also some home remedies that can help with indigestion. Some of them include;

• Cinnamon

• Basil Leaves

• Coriander

• Baking soda (not more than ½ teaspoon)

• Apple cider vinegar

It is better for somebody feeling any of these symptoms to get a diagnosis as indigestion could be caused by underlying diseases, lifestyle or food habits. Wheat and dietary fats can lead to dyspepsia and their reduction or withdrawal may improve symptoms. Stress, nervousness, or anxiety seems to trigger indigestion, while feeling relaxed tends to prevent them. Watching what you eat and avoiding common triggers like spicy and fatty foods, limiting size of food portions or eating more slowly and taking less alcohol can help to prevent or possibly treat indigestion.

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