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Indigestion

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Definition:

Indigestion is a vague feeling of abdominal discomfort -- possibly including belching , a feeling of fullness, bloating , and nausea .

Alternative Names:

Dyspepsia; Uncomfortable fullness after meals

Considerations:

Indigestion is usually not a serious health problem, unless it comes with other symptoms.

Indigestion is a common problem. It may be triggered by eating particular foods, or drinking wine or carbonated drinks. It may also be caused by eating too fast or by overeating. Some people may find that spicy foods, high- fiber foods, fatty foods, or too much caffeine can all make this problem worse. Symptoms may be worsened by anxiety and depression .

Rarely, the discomfort of a heart attack is mistaken for indigestion.

Indigestion can be a symptom of a bowel disease like nonulcer dyspepsia.

Common Causes:

• Overeating
• Eating too fast
• Having too much caffeine
• Eating fatty or greasy foods
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Tobacco smoking
• Eating spicy foods
• Emotional trauma or nervousness
• Cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder)
• Acute or chronic gastritis (inflammation of the stomach)
• Acute or chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Duodenal ulcer
• Gastric ulcer
• Drugs such as antibiotics, aspirin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

• Review Date: 4/12/2007
• Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: Greg Juhn, M.T.P.W., David R. Eltz, Kelli A. Stacy. Previously reviewed by Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA.Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (10/18/2006).

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