Upset Stomach or Something Else?

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Do you sometimes experience:

  • A hot or  burning sensation that rises to your chest
  • Pain in the stomach, with or without gurgling
  • Bloating or frequent belching (burping)
  • Nausea or queasiness after eating
  • A feeling of fullness  at the early part of your meal.
  • Acidic, sour, or metallic taste on the mouth.

These particular symptoms are commonly referred to as upset stomach or indigestion.

But if you are experiencing these frequently or causing you discomfort on a regular basis, it is medically termed, Dyspepsia.

Dyspepsia is a condition with persistent or recurrent pain or discomfort in the upper area of your abdomen.

 

What causes Dyspepsia?

Some of the most common risk factors are:

      • Excessive intake of alcoholic drinks or caffeinated beverages

      • Daily consumption of spicy foods and fatty meals

      • Regular use of stomach-irritating medications, such as aspirin, steroids, and other pain relievers.

      • Medical conditions associated with the digestive system, like ulcers, Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), or gallbladder stones

      • Constant Stress, fatigue, or anxiety

      • Irregular eating habits such as skipping meals or binge eating

      • Smoking

     

    When to visit your doctor

    Schedule an appointment with your family physician if you have concerns about persistent discomfort. Your doctor may prescribe you one or a combination of the following medications:

    Histamine (H2) Blockers. H2 blockers reduce the amount of acid that your stomach secretes, and acts to stop and prevent indigestion symptoms. Examples are Cimetidine (Tagamet HB) and Famotidine (Pepcid).

    Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs). PPIs also work by lowering the acid levels in your stomach makes, and can be taken for up to 14 days or longer. PPIs can interact with other medications, so make sure to tell your doctor all the medications you are taking. The most common PPIs are     Esomeprazole (Nexium), Lansoprazole (Prevacid), Omeprazole (Prilosec), and Pantoprazole (Pantoloc).

    You may also be tested for the presence of bacteria in your stomach called H. Pylori. This is done by submitting a sample of your stool to the lab. If this is positive, your doctor will prescribe you additional antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria. 

     

    Seek immediate medical assistance if you encounter:

        • Blood in your vomit.

        • Dark or black stools.

        • Difficulty breathing.

        • Ache or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or arm.

        • Sudden and unintentional weight loss.
         

      What you can you do to prevent Dyspepsia

          • Eat small frequent meals to ease the strain on your stomach 

          • Pace yourself when eating. 

          • Steer clear of highly acidic foods, such as tomatoes and citrus fruits.

          • Refrain from eating hot and spicy dishes.

          • Limit caffeine-containing foods and beverages like dark chocolate, soda, and coffee.

          • If stress is what causes your indigestion, try learning new stress-reduction strategies like yoga and meditation

          • Cut back on smoking.

          • Limit alcohol consumption.
           

        Home Remedies

        There are popular home cures or natural treatments based from anecdotal reports of individuals who found relief from their symptoms. Please keep in mind that these remedies are not tested for safety and efficiency, and there are no guidelines for their appropriate and effective use. Let your doctor know if you are using them for symptom relief.  

        These natural remedies are:

        •     Baking soda
        •     Apple cider vinegar
        •     Mastic Gum
        •     Aloe vera juice
        •     Fennel, Licorice, Marshmallow Root, and Ginger Teas