Indigestion & Stomach Pain

Indigestion and stomach pain can be uncomfortable and may be aggravated by eating certain foods. Laying down soon after eating may also cause indigestion.

Identification

Indigestion may make you feel bloated and cause frequent belching, nausea and heartburn.

Causes

Certain foods have been reported to cause stomach pain and indigestion. Some of these foods include spicy foods, tomato-based foods, citrus fruit, foods high in fiber, fatty foods, fried foods and soda. Caffeine has also been attributed to indigestion.

Considerations

Factors that may influence heartburn and stomach pain are alcohol consumption, being overweight, eating too fast, laying down soon after eating, gallstones, nervousness, too much caffeine and using NSAID medications.

Treatment

When trying to avoid indigestion and stomach pain, allow plenty of time for meals and chew food thoroughly. If you must take NSAID medications, do so on a full stomach. Using antacids may help reduce indigestion and stomach discomfort. Zantac and Prilosec OTC are over-the-counter medications that may provide temporary relief.

Warning

Heart attack symptoms are often mistaken for indigestion. Call your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain, left arm pain, jaw pain, profuse sweating, a feeling of doom, anxiety or back pain with indigestion symptoms.

References

• Indigestion Symptoms