Most people have ever felt discomfort or stomach pain, often accompanied by swelling, eructations (the most polished name of the vulgar “belching”), nausea and a sense of fullness. It is normal, but continuous indigestion may be a sign of something more serious.
In medicine, the digestive treatment It is divided into two regions: upper and lower. The upper tract includes the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach and the first section of the small intestine: the duodenum.
Symptoms in these areas of our body may indicate various conditions, and have different causes, explains the neuroscientist and anatomist And Baumgardtprofessor at the University of Bristol, in an article no.
A common set is the dyspepsia: discomfort or pain often accompanied by swelling, eructations (the most polished name of “belchs), nausea and a sense of fullness. Most of us have felt it at some point.
May also involve refluxthe feeling that the content of the stomach goes up, or “waterbrash”, A bitter flavor caused by stomach acid to reach the back of the throat. Patients describe these symptoms in various ways: heartburn, acid reflux or “back food”.
Pharmacies offer a wide range of Remedies to treat indigestion. Alginates, such as Gaviscon, contain algae -derived compounds that form a protective “ferry” on stomach content, reducing reflux and preventing the irritation of the stomach wall through the acid.
Masticable tablets, such as Rennies, neutralize stomach acid. Even medications that reduce acidity, such as omeprazole, can be bought without recipe. Although they relieve symptoms, may also delay the diagnosis and treatment of potentially serious conditions if used for long periods.
What causes indigestion?
After a rich or spicy meal or of a stomach infectionsome indigestion is expected – and it can last a few days.
Indigestion can also result from benign conditions, such as hiatal herniawhere part of the stomach goes through the diaphragm to the chest, making reflux more likely. This is common: it is estimated that about one third of people over 50 may have one.
Other risk factors include coffee, alcohol, spicy foods or fatty, large portions, Pregnancy, obesity and smoking. Some medications, such as antidepressants, ibuprofen, anti-inflammatory and iron tablets can also cause symptoms.
No Entanto, a persistent dyspepsia can sometimes be associated with conditions but serious.
A Esophageal inflammationstomach or duodenum has many causes, including the infection by Helicobacter pyloria common bacteria that can live in the stomach coating and is one of the main causes of ulcers.
It may be necessary to resort to antibiotics and omeprazole to treat the infection. In some cases, this infection can evolve into a peptic ulcerwhich has serious risks of bleeding or drilling the digestive tract.
More worrying, indigestion can occasionally be cancer symptom of the upper gastrointestinal tract. In these cases, a endoscopythere are alternative tests for those who do not tolerate the procedure.
Other internal cancers can also cause indigestionamong other symptoms, including pancreas and ovary cancer. Even chest pain of cardiac origin can imitate indigestion.
Symptoms varied considerably between different conditions and patients. Therefore, it is essential not to self-diagnose and seek medical advice so that a professional can analyze the complete condition and define a proper action plan.
When you should worry
The guidelines of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), independent public body that provides national orientation to improve health and social care in England, recommend urgent investigation with endoscopy for patients with abdominal mass or difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia).
Inexplicable weight loss or abdomen pain Superior accompanied by indigestion They are also signs of alertespecially in patients in their 50s, when the risk of cancer is higher.
The analysis can also be considered for persistent indigestionresistant to treatment, in patients with iron deficit anemia Ou history of peptic ulcers.
Family history is equally relevant. Having two family members of the first degree (parents, siblings or children) with upper gastrointestinal tract cancer is another risk factor.
Acute gastrointestinal hemorrhage Associated with cancer or ulcer is an emergency. Can manifest itself through Blood vomiting – Fresh red or with coffee bellies.
Some patients may expel blood in the stool or have black, sticky and fetid odor stools. This “melena” indicates digested blood. In these cases, it is essential Immediately resort to hospital care.
Other warning signs include jaundice (yellowish skin color), nausea and vomiting, changes in intestinal habits and tiredness.
And as conditions like ischemic heart disease (narrowing of the blood vessels of the heart that can restrict blood flow and cause chest pain) can simulate indigestion, it is important to be aware of heart symptoms, especially in people with risk factors.
Therefore, if the problem is recurrent, persistent or severe, or if you notice other worrying changes, Ignore the shelf of self-medication. Make an appointment with your family doctor. Detecting problems early can make all the difference.
