Page 108 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

106 COMMON CONDITIONS: CHEST AND ABDOMINAL PROBLEMS

Indigestion

Indigestion is stomach discomfort that usually occurs after meals,
WARNING
often with nausea, belching, and bloating. It is often caused by
overindulgence in food or drink; stress, fatigue, or being overweight Seek immediate medical help if:
● You also have chest pain,
can aggravate symptoms. Sometimes, indigestion is due to a
sweating, and shortness of breath
serious disorder such as a stomach ulcer or gallstones, or is a side ● You are vomiting blood or
effect of medicines such as iron supplements or certain antibiotics. passing black stools
See also Heartburn, opposite; Bloating and flatulence, p.108.

See your doctor first
DRUG REMEDIES
Make an appointment to see your doctor if:
Antacids (see p.177) can relieve indigestion
● You have severe pain
by neutralizing acid in the stomach. Some antacid
● Indigestion does not seem related to eating
combinations contain simethicone to absorb excess
● You are losing weight without trying
stomach gas. If you are taking other medication,
● You are over 45 and have only recently
avoid taking antacids at the same time as antacids
developed indigestion
may reduce its absorption.
H2-blockers (see p.183)
reduce acid produced by the
What you can do yourself stomach. Try a short course
(not more than 2 weeks) of
Most bouts of mild indigestion can be dealt with cimetidine or ranitidine if
simply by lifestyle adjustments and home remedies. antacids are not effective.
● Try not to have foods or drinks that trigger
Antacids
symptoms. Familiar culprits include fatty, fried, or Liquids are more
spicy foods, soft drinks, coffee, tea, and alcohol.
effective; pills may be
● Don’t exercise for at least an hour after eating. more convenient.
● If stress contributes to indigestion, try some
methods that help reduce it (see pp.20–21).
● Stop smoking; it may aggravate symptoms. NATURAL REMEDIES
● Take an antacid or an H2-blocker to relieve Herbal tea (see p.184) made with peppermint,
symptoms (see DRUG REMEDIES, right). chamomile, or fennel may help to relieve the
symptoms of indigestion.
● Eat at regular times. You’re less likely to get
indigestion if you eat smaller meals more often.
Eat slowly, chewing your food thoroughly.
● Avoid taking aspirin or ibuprofen for pain, as they
Seek further medical advice
can irritate the stomach. Acetaminophen (see p.177)
may be a more suitable alternative. Arrange to see your doctor if:
● Try a herbal tea to soothe your stomach (see ● Your symptoms become worse
NATURAL REMEDIES, right). ● Symptoms are not improving after
a week or two
● If you are overweight, try to lose weight gradually.
● You have recurrent indigestion