If you have felt discomfort in your abdominal area, this may have been because of indigestion. Indigestion is also referred to as upset stomach or dyspepsia.  Indigestion gives you the feeling that you are full, especially after you have eaten a meal. The feeling of fullness may be accompanied by other kinds of discomfort including constant burping. People experience indigestion in different ways.

Causes

Indigestion is typically a symptom or collection of symptoms of some underlying disease or condition. Indigestion that occurs frequently needs to be addressed. The diseases that can cause indigestion are usually those that relate to the digestive system. Indigestion related diseases include thyroid disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, stomach infections, pancreatitis, and stomach cancer.

Many causes of indigestion have to do with lifestyle choices and behaviors. These causes are easily avoidable. Consuming certain items excessively is one of the major causes of this symptom. This includes chocolate, alcohol and caffeine. Some foods are also known to cause indigestions. Foods that are spicy, fatty or greasy can be a problem. Smoking, overeating and drinking too much soda can also contribute to indigestion. Other causes may include gallstones, medications and ulcers.

Medications like aspirin and other types of pain relievers can cause indigestion. Medications for the thyroid, steroids, contraceptives and antibiotics can lead to indigestion. Women that are pregnant are more likely to get indigestion because of the position of the uterus and the constant shifting of the internal organs in that area.

Symptoms

Indigestion symptoms vary from person to person because it may be caused by different underlying problems. The disease or condition that you have will determine the type of symptom and the frequency of the symptoms you experience. One of the most frequent symptoms of indigestion is burping. Burping occurs when gas and acidic fluid from the stomach is expelled through the mouth.

Other common symptoms of indigestion are nausea, vomiting, bloating, fullness during and after meals, an acidic taste in the mouth, a growling stomach, and upper abdominal pain and burning. Indigestion symptoms may not cause any serious complications. It can however affect your lifestyle because of the discomfort associated with eating. When you are having a stressful moment, these symptoms may increase. If you are tired, symptoms may increase as well.

Burping may be more prevalent if you swallow air during a meal. People may have indigestion because of something other than known causes. This kind of indigestion is referred to as functional indigestion or dyspepsia.

Treatment

To treat indigestion, you need to avoid certain practices and behaviors. Treatment of indigestion also depends on the underlying disease. Sometimes indigestion goes away on its own. By quitting smoking, not drinking too much alcohol, eating with your mouth closed, avoiding fatty and spicy foods and not eating late at night, you can prevent the symptoms from occurring. Preventative measures like chewing slowly, sitting up during and after meals and eating smaller meals can reduce the risk of indigestion and burping. To learn more about indigestion treatments, review The Reflux Remedy Report today.