Indigestion Symptoms and Causes

What is indigestion?

Indigestion, which is also known as dyspepsia, is a feeling of pain and discomfort at the top of your stomach and behind your breastbone; if you are suffering from indigestion, you may also feel bloated or overfull.

These unpleasant feelings are the results of stomach acid affecting the lining (mucosa) of your food pipe (oesophagus), the lining of your stomach, or the lining at the top part of your small intestine (the duodenum). When stomach acid comes into contact with these linings, it can lead to irritation, increased sensitivity, and/or inflammation, and this is what causes you to feel the pain and discomfort. ¹ Under normal circumstances, your stomach lining can withstand the acid it makes. When excess stomach acid is produced, it may also affect the stomach lining.

What are the symptoms?

 The common symptoms of indigestion are:

• You might feel a pain in your lower chest, abdomen or your stomach
• You can feel bloated or  very full
• You may need to burp or pass wind, because gas has built up
• You could feel sick (nausea) or feel like vomiting
• You may suffer from a loss of appetite

Why indigestion happens

There are several causes of indigestion, but mostly it is related to food and drink. Indigestion can occur:

• If you eat big meals or eat too much in one go, then lots of stomach acid can be produced. Also, a big meal can take longer to digest
• If you eat irregular meals, eat quickly or "on the run"
• If you eat a large meal and perhaps also have a lot to drink late in the evening, digestion can continue while you're in bed. This could result in indigestion late at night
• If you eat foods that can trigger indigestion including: spicy foods, fatty foods, chocolate, onions or tomato-based foods

There are other triggers of indigestion, which include:

• Smoking
• Alcohol
• The side effects of some medications, such as NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
• Being a  little overweight, or wearing  tight clothing
• Stressmay contribute to health problems such as indigestion
• Infection with the bacteria Helicobacter pylorican cause indigestion in some people¹ so you should see your doctor if you are suddenly experiencing indigestion regularly.

 Treating indigestion

Indigestion can come on at any time, and there are various treatments, but Gaviscon Extra is a widely available and well established medication for helping to relieve indigestion.  It contains sodium alginate (a rafting agent), together with calcium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate.

• Sodium alginate works by forming a protective layer, or raft, on top of the stomach contents - forming a strong protective barrier to help prevent stomach acid getting up into the oesophagus
• In addition to this, calcium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate work to quickly neutralise stomach acid to help prevent further attacks. 

Gaviscon offers a long-lasting effect that's up to twice as long as antacids.

When should you consider seeing your doctor?

Reassuringly, most people who suffer from indigestion won't need medical advice. But you should consider seeking medical advice if you have frequent indigestion and you are:¹

• 55 years old or over
• Aware of losing a lot weight without trying
• Anaemic as a result of iron deficiency
• Aware of a lump in your stomach
• Suffering from vomiting frequently or persistently
• Noticing blood in your vomit or stools 

Having one or more of these conditions together with frequent indigestion, may indicate that you have an underlying problem. So it's advisable to get seen by your doctor as soon as you can.

 

All information presented is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. Gaviscon Extra Oral Suspension, and Gaviscon Extra Chewable Tablets contain Sodium alginate, Sodium hydrogen carbonate, Calcium carbonate for Heartburn & Indigestion. Always read the label. If symptoms are severe or prolonged you should consult a doctor or pharmacist. 

 

 

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