INDIGESTION

General Information

DEFINITION--Vague chest or abdominal discomfort --with no apparent organic cause--that occurs during or soon after eating or drinking. The symptoms persist for months.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Stomach; esophagus; small intestine.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Both sexes; all ages.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Mild nausea; rarely, vomiting.
• Heartburn.
• Upper abdominal pain; gas or belching.
• Bloated or full feeling.
• Acid taste.
• Borborygmus ("growling stomach").

CAUSES--Exact cause is unknown. Symptoms seem related to eating, drinking, or swallowing air while talking or chewing gum. They occur most often with: emotional upset while eating; excessive smoking; constipation; eating improperly cooked food; eating food with a high fat content; poor digestion of gas-forming foods such as beans, cucumbers, cabbage, turnips and onions; food allergy; or excess alcohol. Persistent symptoms can indicate disease in the digestive tract or other body parts. Occasionally, symptoms occur in patients with no apparent disease. This indicates an abnormal function in a normal part of the body.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Other functional disorders.
• Excess alcohol consumption.
• Use of drugs that may irritate the stomach.
• Anxiety or depression.

HOW TO PREVENT--Follow suggestions in General Measures.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Medical history and exam by a doctor.
• If symptoms are persistent or severe, x-rays of the upper digestive tract, endoscopy and gastroscopy (See Glossary for both) to rule out ulcers or stomach inflammation.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Self-care.
• Doctor's care (severe, recurrent indigestion only).

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS--Indigestion may mimic signs of a heart attack or serious disease of the esophagus or stomach, causing the serious disorder to be ignored.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Symptoms can be controlled with treatment but recurrence is likely.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES----Treatment and prevention are similar:

• Allow time for leisurely meals. Chew food carefully and thoroughly. Avoid conflicts during meals.
• Don't smoke immediately before a meal.
• Avoid excitement or exercise immediately after a meal.
• Avoid situations than make you swallow air, such as chewing gum.
• Avoid tight clothing.
• Learn relaxation techniques.
• Reduce stress (see How to Cope with Stress in Appendix).
• Observe episodes of indigestion for changes in symptoms. If character, timing, frequency or severity changes, a more serious disorder may be responsible. These include heartburn from irritation of the lower esophagus, gallbladder disease, ulcers or stomach cancer.

MEDICATION--

• For minor discomfort, you may use non-prescription antacids.
• For serious discomfort, your doctor may prescribe H-2 blockers, antispasmodics or tranquilizers to relieve tension.
• Avoid aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

ACTIVITY--No restrictions. A routine exercise program is important to maintain fitness.

DIET--

• No special diet. Avoid foods--especially those listed under causes--if they cause discomfort.
• Keep a food diary. Write down what you eat or drink and when symptoms occur. This will help you identify any offending foods or liquids.

Call Your Doctor If

• The pattern of indigestion symptoms changes markedly.
• You develop the following: Vomiting, weight loss or appetite loss. Black, tarry stool or vomiting of blood. Fever. Severe pain in the upper right abdomen. Discomfort that continues unrelated to meals, eating or chewing gum.
• Indigestion is accompanied by: Shortness of breath. Sweating. Pain radiating to the jaw, neck or arm.