Indigestion — also called dyspepsia or an upset stomach — is a general term that describes discomfort in upper abdomen. Indigestion is not a disease, but rather some symptoms  experience, including abdominal pain and a feeling of fullness soon after start eating. Although indigestion is common, each person may experience indigestion in a slightly different way. Symptoms of indigestion may be felt occasionally or as often as daily.

Indigestion can be a symptom of another digestive disease. Indigestion that is not caused by an underlying disease may be eased with lifestyle changes and medication.

SYMPTOMS OF INDIGESTION

People with indigestion may have one or more of the following symptoms:

• Early fullness during a meal- we have not eaten much of our meal, but we already feel full and may not be able to finish eating.
• Uncomfortable fullness after a meal- Fullness lasts longer than it should.
• Discomfort in the upper abdomen-we feel a mild to severe pain in the area between the bottom of our breastbone and our navel.
• Burning in the upper abdomen- we feel an uncomfortable heat or burning sensation between the bottom of our breastbone and our navel.
• Bloating in the upper abdomen-We feel an uncomfortable sensation of tightness due to a buildup of gas.
• Nausea - Feeling as though we want to vomit.

Less frequent symptoms include vomiting and belching.

Sometimes people with indigestion also experience heartburn, but heartburn and indigestion are two separate conditions. Heartburn is a pain or burning feeling in the center of our chest that may radiate into our neck.

CAUSES OF INDIGESTION

Indigestion has many possible causes. Often, indigestion is related to lifestyle and may be triggered by food, drink or medication. Common causes of indigestion include:

• Overeating or eating too quickly
• Fatty, greasy or spicy foods
• Too much caffeine, alcohol, chocolate or carbonated beverages
• Smoking
• Anxiety
• Certain antibiotics, pain relievers and iron supplements

Sometimes indigestion is caused by other digestive conditions, including:

• Inflammation of the stomach (gastritis)
• Peptic ulcers
• Celiac disease
• Gallstones
• Constipation
• Pancreas inflammation (pancreatitis)
• Stomach cancer
• Intestinal blockage
• Reduced blood flow in the intestine (intestinal ischemia)

Complications of Indigestion

Although indigestion does not usually have serious complications.It can affect our quality of life by making us feel uncomfortable and causing  to eat less. we might miss work or school because of our symptoms. When indigestion is caused by an underlying condition, that condition can also have its own complications.

PREVENTION OF INDIGESTION

Lifestyle changes may help ease indigestion.

• Avoiding foods that trigger indigestion
• Eating five or six small meals a day instead of three large meals
• Reducing or eliminating the use of alcohol and caffeine
• Finding alternatives for medications that trigger indigestion
• Controlling stress and anxiety

HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINE FOR INDIGESTION

Antimonium crudum : Useful for indigestion when children regurgitate milk shortly after ingesting it. There is watery diarrhea of undigested food particles which is aggravated by becoming overheated or by eating vinegar or acid foods.Given when nausea is particularly common at night and in the early morning.Most recommended when patient have a thickly coated white tongue.

Aconitum: Useful for indigestion that occur during very hot weather, especially after drinking ice drinks.Given when abdomen is sensitive to touch.Helpful for that children who experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Ignatia: Useful for indigestion after experiencing grief or anxiety. Very useful for painless urgent diarrhea when patient are emotionally upset. There is sense of a lump or heaviness in the stomach.Given when patient experience an empty, “all gone” feeling in the stomach that is relieved by eating.

PHOSPHORUS: Useful for indigestion with sense of emptiness in the stomach, especially worse at night before bedtime when they become very hungry. There is general weakness, anxiety, and restlessness.

DIGEVITA