Definition:
Indigestion is a vague feeling of abdominal discomfort -- possibly including belching, heartburn, a feeling of fullness, bloating, and nausea.
Alternative Names:
Dyspepsia; Uncomfortable fullness after meals
Considerations:
Indigestion is usually not a serious health problem, unless other symptoms also occur such as weight loss or trouble swallowing. Indigestion is a common problem. It may be triggered by eating particular foods, or drinking alcoholic 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.
Common Causes:
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Eating spicy foods
- Eating fatty or greasy foods
- Eating too much (overeating)
- Eating too fast
- Emotional stress or nervousness
- Gallstones
- Inflammation of the pancreas (acute or chronic pancreatitis)
- Inflammation of the stomach (acute or chronic gastritis)
- Tobacco smoking
- Too much caffeine
- Ulcers (gastric or duodenal ulcer)
- Use of certain drugs such as antibiotics, aspirin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
References:
Talley N. Functional gastrointestinal disorders: irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia, and noncardiac chest pain. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 139.
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