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Indigestion
Definition:
Indigestion is a vague feeling of abdominal discomfort -- possibly including a feeling of fullness, belching, bloating, and nausea. Alternative Names:
Dyspepsia; Uncomfortable fullness after meals Text Continues Below
Considerations:
Indigestion is rarely a serious health problem, unless it is accompanied by 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 overeating. Some people may find that spicy foods, high-fiber foods, fatty foods, or too much caffeine can all aggravate this problem. Symptoms may be worsened by anxiety and depression.
Rarely, the discomfort of a heart attack is mistaken for indigestion. Indigestion can be a chronic symptom of a bowel disease like nonulcer dyspepsia. Common Causes:
- Overeating
- Eating too fast
- Significant caffeine intake
- Eating fatty or greasy foods
- Overindulgence in 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)
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