Indigestion
Definition
Indigestion is a vague feeling of abdominal discomfort -- possibly including belching, a feeling of fullness, bloating, and nausea.
Alternative Names
Dyspepsia; Uncomfortable fullness after mealsConsiderations
Indigestion is usually not a serious health problem, unless it comes with other symptoms.
Indigestion is a common problem. It may be triggered by eating particular foods, or drinking wine or carbonated drinks. It may also be caused by eating too fast or by overeating. Some people may find that spicy foods, high-fiber foods, fatty foods, or too much caffeine can all make this problem worse. Symptoms may be worsened by anxiety and depression.
Rarely, the discomfort of a heart attack is mistaken for indigestion.
Indigestion can be a symptom of a bowel disease like nonulcer dyspepsia.
Causes
- Overeating
- Eating too fast
- Having too much caffeine
- Eating fatty or greasy foods
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Tobacco smoking
- Eating spicy foods
- Emotional trauma or nervousness
- Cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder)
- Acute or chronic gastritis (inflammation of the stomach)
- Acute or chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Duodenal ulcer
- Gastric ulcer
- Drugs such as antibiotics, aspirin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by
URAC, also known as the American
Accreditation HealthCare Commission. URAC's accreditation program is
the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and
accountability, verified by independent audit.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2005 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.