Indigestion (Dyspepsia) – SP Medifort Hospital

Indigestion (Dyspepsia) Treatment

Indigestion (Dyspepsia) Treatment in Trivandrum

Indigestion, also called dyspepsia, is discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen often occurring during or after eating. It’s a common digestive complaint that can be occasional or chronic.

Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of indigestion?

Symptoms of indigestion may include:

Bloating or tightness in the upper abdomen.
Upper abdominal pain or discomfort
Feeling full quickly during meals.
Burping, nausea, or a feeling of regurgitation.
Pain or burning in the upper belly.

What causes indigestion?

Indigestion can result from a variety of factors, including lifestyle habits, medical conditions, or medications. Common causes include:

Overeating or Eating Too Quickly : Large or rapid meals can overwhelm the stomach, causing discomfort.
Fatty, Spicy, or Acidic Foods : Certain foods can irritate the stomach lining or trigger acid reflux.
Caffeine, Alcohol, and Carbonated Drinks : These can increase stomach acid or relax the esophageal sphincter, worsening symptoms.
Smoking : Tobacco use can impair digestion and increase acid production.
Medications : NSAIDs, certain antibiotics, and other drugs—can irritate the stomach.
Helicobacter pylori Infection : This bacterial infection can inflame the stomach lining and lead to ulcers.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) : Stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus causes pain and discomfort.

Diagnosis of Indigestion

Diagnosing indigestion involves a combination of history‑taking, physical examination, and targeted tests to find the cause of symptoms or rule out more serious conditions.

Medical History & Symptom Review: Your healthcare provider will ask detailed questions about your symptoms (when they occur, severity, and relation to meals), eating habits, medications, medical history, and family history. This helps narrow down possible causes and identify “functional” dyspepsia if no clear cause is found.
Physical Examination: A physical exam may include listening to your abdomen, checking for tenderness, bloating, or signs of other health issues. This can provide clues about underlying digestive problems.
H. pylori Testing: Testing for Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium linked to ulcers and gastritis, may be done using breath, stool, or sometimes biopsy samples. Detecting this infection can guide specific treatment.
Endoscopy: An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy uses a small camera to view the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine. It’s often recommended if symptoms are severe or persistent or if there are “alarm” signs (e.g., weight loss, bleeding) or in older adults to rule out ulcers, inflammation, or cancer.
Imaging and Other Tests: Depending on symptoms and initial findings, imaging tests (such as X‑rays, ultrasounds, or CT scans) may be ordered to look for structural issues. Blood tests can help rule out other conditions.

Indigestion risk factors

Certain factors can increase the likelihood of experiencing indigestion, though anyone can be affected.

Age: Risk increases with age, especially after 50, due to changes in digestion and a higher likelihood of gastrointestinal conditions.
Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol intake, and high caffeine consumption can irritate the stomach and contribute to symptoms.
Stress and Anxiety: Chronic stress or anxiety can affect digestive function and increase sensitivity to stomach discomfort.
Diet and Eating Habits: Frequent consumption of fatty, spicy, or acidic foods, overeating, or eating too quickly can trigger indigestion.
Medications: Regular use of NSAIDs, certain antibiotics, or other stomach-irritating medications can raise the risk of indigestion.
Family History: A family history of digestive disorders may increase the likelihood of developing indigestion.
Medical Conditions: Underlying conditions such as GERD, peptic ulcers, gastritis, or H. pylori infection increase susceptibility to dyspepsia.

Treatment options are available for indigestion

Treatment of indigestion includes:

Antibiotics: Used to treat bacterial infections such as H. pylori or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), which can contribute to indigestion.

H2 Blockers: Reduce stomach acid by blocking histamine signals that stimulate acid production. They are effective for short-term relief but may become less effective with prolonged use.

Prokinetic Agents: Help speed up digestion by improving stomach emptying, which reduces the time acid and digestive enzymes remain in the stomach.

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Powerful acid-reducing medications that not only decrease acid production but also promote healing of ulcers and inflamed stomach lining.

Dietary Adjustments: Identifying and avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals, and spacing meals evenly can help reduce symptoms.

Over-the-Counter Remedies: Antacids and digestive aids may provide quick, short-term relief for mild symptoms.

Stress and Mental Health Management: Counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, or relaxation techniques may help when stress or anxiety worsens indigestion.

Lifestyle Modifications: Maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and avoiding lying down after meals can improve digestion.