INDIGESTION IN DUBAI

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.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of indigestion are:
Feeling too full after eating
Feeling full whilst still eating
Burning sensation in the digestive tract
Bloating and gas
Nausea
Vomiting

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.

DIAGNOSIS

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.

CAUSES OF INDIGESTION

The causes of indigestion can be multiple, and they can be related to:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): this is a common precursor to indigestion symptoms, especially heartburn and regurgitation.
Spicy or fatty food: this is because these foods can irritate the stomach lining and, therefore, trigger indigestion
Stress: anxiety and stress can aggravate indigestion symptoms
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): if you suffer from IBS, the risk of experiencing indigestion is higher
Infections: bacterial or viral infections of the stomach can cause indigestion
Medications: anti-inflammatories and certain antibiotics can have side effects that include indigestion

COMPLICATIONS

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:

Difficulty swallowing
Unexplained weight loss
Blood in stools or black stools
Anaemia
Severe stomach pain

PREVENTION

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:

Quitting smoking
Waiting at least 3 hours before going to bed
Eating more slowly
Not drinking fizzy drinks
Eating smaller meals

To book a consultation or for more information, call +971 50 494 6377 to schedule an appointment with our gastroenterologist, Prof. 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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