Have you ever experienced that uncomfortable feeling in your stomach after a meal? It’s possible that you’ve had indigestion. Indigestion is a common problem that many of us encounter from time to time. Understanding its symptoms can help us manage it better and prevent discomfort.
Symptoms of Indigestion
Indigestion can present a range of uncomfortable sensations in your upper abdomen and chest. The most common feelings associated with indigestion include:
- General Discomfort: Persistent feeling of unease or discomfort in your stomach, often described as a sense of fullness or heaviness
- Burning Sensation: Burning or gnawing pain that may spread from your stomach to your chest, resembling heartburn
- Bloating and Gas: Feeling excessively full or bloated, accompanied by frequent burping or passing gas
- Nausea and Vomiting: Waves of queasiness and the urge to vomit, though vomiting doesn’t always occur
- Acid Reflux and Heartburn: Sour or acidic taste in your mouth, along with a sensation of stomach acid creeping up into your throat, causing heartburn
- Feeling Full Quickly: Experiencing a sense of fullness shortly after starting a meal, even if you haven’t eaten much
These symptoms can vary in intensity and duration, and they may come and go or persist over time. If you frequently experience these feelings, it’s essential to pay attention to your body and consult your doctor to manage your indigestion effectively.
Differentiating Indigestion from Other Conditions
Indigestion can sometimes feel similar to other health issues. Here’s how you can tell it apart:
- Heart Attack: Unlike indigestion, a heart attack often involves intense chest pain that may radiate to the arms, neck, or jaw. It may be accompanied by shortness of breath and sweating
- Gastritis: Indigestion can mimic gastritis symptoms, but gastritis typically includes a burning pain in the upper abdomen and may be linked to specific triggers like alcohol or certain medications
- Acid Reflux: While indigestion and acid reflux share some symptoms, acid reflux primarily involves a burning sensation in the chest and a sour taste in the mouth due to stomach acid regurgitation
If you’re unsure about your symptoms or experience severe discomfort, it’s best to seek medical attention to get a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Triggers and Risk Factors
Certain factors can trigger indigestion or increase the likelihood of experiencing it. Being mindful of these triggers and risk factors can help you manage and prevent indigestion effectively:
- Dietary Factors: Consuming spicy, fatty, or greasy foods, as well as overeating or eating too quickly
- Lifestyle Habits: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a sedentary lifestyle
- Stress and Anxiety: Emotional stress and anxiety can disrupt digestion and contribute to indigestion
- Underlying Medical Conditions: Conditions such as ulcers, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), or gallbladder disease can increase the risk of indigestion
Over-the-Counter and Prescription Treatments
There are various options to relieve indigestion symptoms:
- Antacids: Over-the-counter antacids like Rennie or Gaviscon can neutralise stomach acid, easing heartburn and indigestion
- PPIs: Proton pump inhibitor medications like Omeprazole reduce stomach acid production, providing long-lasting relief for frequent indigestion or acid reflux
- H2 Blockers: H2 blockers like Famotidine can help reduce stomach acid and alleviate indigestion symptoms
Order Your Medication Online with Healthera
If you’ve been prescribed a medication like Omeprazole to help lessen your symptoms, you can place your prescription order online using the Healthera mobile app.
It only takes a couple of minutes to set up your order for collection or home delivery from your local pharmacy.
To get started, simply click the button below to open or download your Healthera app:
