Indigestion is a condition that causes an upset stomach or discomfort in the abdomen. There are many causes for this condition including overeating, stress, and swallowing too much air.
Painful and uncomfortable, indigestion is a common ailment that can be caused by many factors. Common causes of indigestion include overeating, reflux, and bad eating habits. Indigestion typically lasts for about four hours from the time of eating.
The duration of symptoms varies depending on the cause of indigestion as well as the individual’s unique physical response to it.
What are the symptoms of indigestion?
A common problem with digestion is indigestion. Indigestion is characterized by gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, belching, and diarrhea.
While the symptoms of indigestion are unpleasant they do not pose any serious health risks.
Financial stress can also lead to an increase in the severity of indigestion symptoms because there is not enough money for food.
Also Read: Eggnog While Pregnant: Can Pregnant Women Drink Eggnog?
If you’re feeling bloated, having a hard time swallowing, and experiencing stomach discomfort, you could be dealing with indigestion. Indigestion occurs when the digestive tract is not able to break down food completely.
This can lead to gas passing through the colon into the intestines, which causes bloating.
Other symptoms of indigestion include heartburn, belching, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation.
How long does indigestion last?
Every person’s stomach muscles can contract and relax in order to break down food. These movements churn the food until it is liquid enough for nutrients to be absorbed.
The process can be painful if there is too much indigestion or other stomach problems that cause the muscle to work harder.
Indigestion itself can be caused by various things. Some people may have an intolerance to certain foods, while others might have mild heartburn after eating spicy food.
A common ailment after eating is indigestion, which is often caused by the stomach’s inability to digest certain foods. Although mild cases of indigestion usually only last for a short time, the discomfort can be significant.
For some people, it feels like pressure in the chest or upper abdomen that lasts for hours after eating. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) treatment may be helpful for people with this condition.
Mild indigestion that occurs after eating usually only happens from time to time and goes away on its own. Heartburn triggered by spicy food often only lasts 2 hours. It is important to note, however, that moderate or severe heartburn can last 8 hours or more.
Why do I keep getting indigestion?
If you’ve experienced indigestion more than a few times, it could be a sign of an underlying health condition. Here are some possible culprits:
- An overly sensitive stomach lining not allowing enough time for food to pass through.
- Bacteria in the small intestine that secrete irritating substances that cause pain or inflammation.
- A stomach ulcer that’s been left untreated.
It’s possible that you’re experiencing indigestion for a variety of reasons, including:
- A lack of digestive enzymes due to stomach acid deficiency
- A lack of stomach acid to begin with
- Excessive production of acid or bile in the stomach or intestines
- Gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) which causes food and liquid to move backwards from the stomach into the esophagus.
How can I treat indigestion?
Indigestion is a common problem, but it can be treated with some simple lifestyle changes. To reduce the risk of indigestion, try to avoid coffee, tea, or fizzy drinks and cut down on alcohol.
It’s also important to eat slowly and sit upright for twenty minutes after eating. If indigestion persists, talk to your GP for advice.
The following are some helpful lifestyle changes that can often relieve indigestion:
- Cutting down on tea, coffee, fizzy drinks, and alcohol.
- Eating smaller meals throughout the day.
- Eating less fried or spicy food.
- Using antacids to relieve the symptoms of acid reflux, heartburn, or nausea after eating.
When should I see a doctor for indigestion?
The first line of defense for many people is to take over-the-counter antacids or drink prune juice.
If you have indigestion and it’s been going on for a while, especially if you have a lot of pain, you should discuss your symptoms with your doctor.
If you can’t seem to get rid of your indigestion and it’s bothering you, talk to your doctor as soon as possible.
However, if your indigestion is severe or continues to cause discomfort, then it’s time to speak with your doctor. Your doctor will perform tests to find the cause of your indigestion and devise a treatment plan.
Conclusion
Indigestion can be slightly more common than you think, though it is most common with those who have stomach issues.
If you’re suffering from indigestion for more than 4 hours, the likelihood of an ulcer or other gastrointestinal disorder will increase, so please contact your doctor immediately.
