Indigestion

Diagnosis

Your doctor will likely start by performing a thorough physical examination and reviewing your medical history. These tests may be sufficient if your indigestion is mild, and you don’t also have other symptoms like weight loss or regular vomiting.

The following advice from your doctor might be given if your dyspepsia started suddenly, you have severe symptoms, or you are over 55:

• Laboratory tests, to look out for metabolic issues including anemia.
• Breath and stool tests, to look for the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which is linked to peptic ulcers and can cause indigestion.
• Imaging tests (X-ray or Computed Tomography (CT) scan), to look for any other problems or intestinal obstruction.
• Endoscopy, to check your upper digestive tract for problems, especially if you’re older and experiencing persistent discomfort. A biopsy, often known as a tissue sample, can be performed.

Treatment

Changes in lifestyle: may reduce indigestion. Your healthcare professional might advise:

• Avoiding foods that can trigger indigestion.
• Opting for frequent smaller meals throughout the day rather than three large ones.
• Reducing or eliminating the consumption of alcohol and caffeine.
• Steering clear of specific pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium.
• Seeking alternative medications if your current ones are causing indigestion.
• Managing stress and anxiety to mitigate indigestion symptoms.

Medication: may assist if your indigestion won’t go away. In most cases, over-the-counter antacids are the best option. Other choices include of:

• Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs), which lowers stomach acid. PPIs might be advised, especially if you also experience heartburn and indigestion.
• Prokinetics, which if your stomach empties slowly, might be useful.
• H-2-receptor blockers, which can lower stomach acid as well.
• Antibiotics, which can be beneficial if H. pylori bacteria are the root of your dyspepsia.
• Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medicines, which may reduce your perception of pain, therefore reducing indigestion discomfort.