Indigestion is not a disease, but rather symptoms you experience from time-to-time, or as often as daily. When you experience indigestion (medically known as dyspepsia) you typically feel a burning sensation in your upper stomach, nauseous, and bloated. Indigestion is not the same as heartburn, because indigestion is not related to your stomach acid. Indigestion can sometimes be a symptom of another digestive disease.
Typical signs of indigestion include:
- Burping and loud stomach gurgling
- Diarrhea
- Feeling bloated
- Feeling full too soon while eating
- Feeling pain, burning, and discomfort in your upper belly or abdomen
- Gas
- Nausea or vomiting
Tests
Physical Exam
We can accurately diagnose your indigestion through a medical examination and review of your past health history.
Blood Test
Your GI doctor may order a blood test to confirm the diagnosis of indigestion.
Stool or Breath Test
Your GI doctor may order a stool or breath test to confirm the diagnosis of indigestion.
X-ray
Your GI doctor may order an X-ray of your stomach and small intestine to confirm the diagnosis of indigestion.
Upper Endoscopy
Your GI doctor may order an upper endoscopy to confirm the diagnosis of indigestion. In this test, your doctor will insert a thin, lighted scope with a camera at the tip (endoscope) into your stomach, to look closely at your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (first part of your small intestine).
Ultrasound
Your GI doctor may order an ultrasound of your gallbladder to confirm the diagnosis of indigestion.
Stomach Emptying Scan
Your GI doctor may order a stomach emptying scan to confirm the diagnosis of indigestion. You’ll begin by eating a small amount of food and a small amount of tasteless radioactive material, which allows us to capture images of your digestive system. You will then lie on a table while a specialized camera takes a series of images that captures the food moving through your digestive system.
Treatments
Medications
If an underlying disease is causing your indigestion, your GI doctor will prescribe medication to treat that disease. Note, you should avoid medicines that hurt your stomach, such as aspirin and over-the-counter pain and fever medications (NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines).
Diet Modification
You may need to make changes to your diet, including eating several, small meals throughout the day, eating more slowly, and limiting spicy, fatty, greasy, or high-fiber foods. You may also need to limit your intake or avoid coffee, soda, or alcohol.
Lifestyle Modifications
If you smoke, you should quit smoking and be sure you get enough sleep. Find ways to lower your emotional and physical stress, such as regular exercise.
Why Choose UHealth?
A broad array of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Regardless of your age, condition, or whether you need long- or short-term digestive treatments, you will receive the most accurate diagnosis and most effective treatment to keep your stomach, digestive system, and organs healthy.
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