by Louise Frank

Created on: September 18, 2011

A RECENT survey has shown that doctors are seeing a steady stream of patients who are suffering from indigestion (dyspepsia). The research, which was carried out by Doctors.net.uk and OTC Bulletin, revealed that 88 per cent of doctors reported seeing patients with indigestion several times a week while 37 per cent are dealing with sufferers every day.

But what exactly is indigestion? We use the term indigestion to for two different complaints, although some people suffer from both at the same time. A sharp pain, dull ache or bloated feeling in the upper abdomen or chest could be the symptoms of one type of indigestion. This could have several possible causes and needs to be checked out. The second type is acid indigestion or acid reflux in which the sufferer may feel a burning sensation in the chest (heartburn) or an acid taste in the mouth.  This happens when the valve at the top of the stomach is weak and it allows acidic digestive juices to pass into the oesophagus (gullet).

So what are the causes of indigestion? Many people blame a particular food for bringing on their symptoms but, surprisingly, this is rarely at the root of the problem. However, indigestion can be caused by eating too much or too fast.
Persistent indigestion should always be reported to your doctor because it could be a symptom of an underlying disorder, including a peptic ulcer, ulceration of the oesophagus which could be caused by a hiatus hernia, gall bladder complaints, gastritis (the erosion of the stomach lining), stress or (rarely) cancer.

Heartburn often happens simply because you have eaten too much or eaten a spicy meal.

Indigestion is often aggravated by pregnancy which puts pressure on the stomach, smoking, drinking too much alcohol, fatty foods, being overweight and frequent bending down.

You don't need to visit your doctor if you have occasional minor symptoms of indigestion.

You should make an appointment if you have heartburn often; you have a pain in your chest after exercising as this could be angina; you frequently take over-the-counter remedies which are having no effect; or you regularly take aspirin or drugs for arthritis.

Obviously, more dramatic symptoms should be checked out immediately, including prolonged vomiting, passing dark or black stools, difficulty in swallowing or rapid weight loss.

A visit to the your doctor will either entail a referral to hospital for further tests or a prescription for antacids and advice on diet and lifestyle.

There are several things you can do yourself to alleviate the symptoms of indigestion.

• Eat regular meals. Eat slowly and don't eat too much.
• Give up or cut down on smoking and/or drinking.
• Take antacid tablets for minor bouts of indigestion.
• Cut down on stress.

For heartburn:
• Don't eat late at night.
• Don't lie down after a meal.
• If you are overweight, then try to lose a few pounds.
• Prop up the top of your bed so it's harder for stomach acid to flow into your gullet.
• Don't wear clothes that are too tight around your stomach.

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