Indigestion (dyspepsia)
Indigestion is a general term used to describe symptoms of stomach upset, particularly after eating. Most people have indigestion from time to time.
Common symptoms of indigestion include:
- Generalized abdominal pain.
- Feeling gassy (abdominal bloating).
- Belching.
- Nausea.
- Loss of appetite.
Occasional indigestion is not a concern. Usually home treatment is all that is needed to treat occasional indigestion. If indigestion occurs over and over, a visit to a doctor is needed.
What are the symptoms of dyspepsia?
Dyspepsia is a common symptom and can include:
- Belly pain or discomfort.
- Bloating.
- Feeling uncomfortably full after eating.
- Nausea.
- Loss of appetite.
- Burping.
Most people will experience some symptoms of dyspepsia within their lifetimes.
How can you care for yourself when you have dyspepsia?
You can make changes to your lifestyle to help relieve your symptoms of dyspepsia. Here are some things to try:
- Try changing your eating habits.
- Eat several small meals instead of two or three large meals if you can.
- After you eat, wait 2 to 3 hours before you lie down. Late-night snacks might make your symptoms worse.
- Avoid foods that make your symptoms worse. These may include chocolate, mint, alcohol, pepper, spicy foods, high-fat foods, or drinks with caffeine in them, such as tea, coffee, colas, or energy drinks.
- Try to quit smoking, or cut back as much as you can. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
- If you get dyspepsia at night, you can try raising the head of your bed 6 to 8 inches by putting the frame on blocks or placing a foam wedge under the head of your mattress. (Adding extra pillows usually won't help.)
- Try to avoid wearing tight clothing around your middle.
- Lose weight if you need to. Losing just 5 to 10 pounds can help. Talk to your doctor if you need help with this.
Indigestion in children: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- Your child passes out (loses consciousness).
- Your child vomits blood or what looks like coffee grounds.
- Your child passes maroon or very bloody stools.
- Your child has severe belly pain.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- Your child has new or worse belly pain.
- Your child's stools are black and look like tar, or have streaks of blood.
- Your child has trouble swallowing.
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- Your child is losing weight and you do not know why.
- Your child does not get better as expected.
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