Indigestion

Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, is a general term for the pain or discomfort you feel in your stomach and under your ribs, usually after eating (although you can experience similar symptoms on an empty stomach). Indigestion can strike at any time and there are many different causes, from rich food and fizzy drinks to stress and eating on the run. Some people get indigestion a couple of times a year but others suffer every day with symptoms ranging from mild discomfort that lasts just a few minutes to severe pain, sometimes accompanied by nausea and vomiting, that goes on for several hours.

Symptoms

Indigestion affects different people in different ways, from the bloated feeling of mild indigestion to more severe symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. The most common indigestion symptoms are: Pain or discomfort in the stomach and under the ribs. Rumbling or gurgling noises in the stomach. Feeling bloated or uncomfortably full after eating. A clenched or knotted feeling in the stomach. Excessive burping or flatulence. Stomach cramps. Nausea or vomiting. Trapped wind.

Causes and Prevention

You’re more likely to suffer from indigestion if you have a busy, stressful lifestyle, if you smoke, you’re overweight or if you don’t exercise regularly. Indigestion can also strike on holiday when it’s tempting to over-indulge in rich or spicy food and drink more alcohol than usual. Here are some of the common causes of indigestion, by avoiding these activities it is possible to reduce your chances of suffering from the symptoms of indigestion. Eating too much or too quickly Gulping down fizzy drinks Eating rich or spicy food Drinking too much alcohol Irregular eating patterns Stress