Indigestion is a common issue that affects the upper abdomen, causing pain or discomfort, usually caused after eating or drinking. Indigestion can occasionally be chronic, meaning it can happen regularly for a few weeks. Sometimes, it can also be functional, which means that it can have chronic symptoms without a specific cause. It is not a disease per se, but it can be a sign of other digestive tract conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is important not to confuse indigestion with heartburn. Heartburn occurs when stomach acid enters the oesophagus, whereas indigestion is a group of symptoms affecting the gastrointestinal system.
If your symptoms persist or worsen, or if you have additional symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, or frequent vomiting, you should consult a doctor. They may advise and aid you in treating indigestion effectively and ensuring it is not indicative of a more serious underlying issue.
Since there are no particular tests, diagnosis is determined by a process of elimination. Your medical history will be reviewed first by assessing the symptoms and their duration, as well as any probable causes. Palpation of the abdomen can be done to check that there are no other underlying health issues. Laboratory tests, breath and stool tests to check for helicobacter pylori, and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy can be required to analyse the situation further and confirm the diagnosis.
The causes of indigestion can be multiple, and they can be related to:
In most cases, indigestion does not progress to severe consequences. Nonetheless, untreated or persistent indigestion can have a substantial influence on your everyday life, resulting in a worse quality of life, and therefore needs to be investigated by a specialised doctor.
You should see a doctor if any of the following symptoms occur alongside indigestion:
If you experience mild or infrequent symptoms, some lifestyle changes can help with the symptoms. However, if indigestion happens more frequently, do not hesitate to seek medical help from the specialised doctor at Cornerstone Clinic, who will be able to recommend suitable medication.
A few lifestyle changes that can contribute to keeping the symptoms at bay are:
To book a consultation or for more information, call +971 50 494 6377 to schedule an appointment with our gastroenterologist, Dr Giovanni Leonetti.
Prof. Dr. Giovanni Leonetti is a licensed general surgeon who obtained his medical degree at the University of Rome “La Sapienza”, where he also received his PhD in Advanced Technologies in Surgery. He teaches Gastroenterology at Unicamillus Health University of Rome. During his career, he has refined the most modern and advanced diagnostic and therapeutic upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy techniques for treating diseases affecting the digestive system.
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