What are the common signs of dyspepsia. How can you identify the causes of belching and indigestion. What are the most effective remedies for managing dyspepsia symptoms. Discover expert insights on digestive health and relief strategies.

The Basics of Dyspepsia: Decoding Belching and Indigestion

Dyspepsia, commonly known as indigestion, encompasses a range of digestive symptoms that can significantly impact one’s quality of life. Among these symptoms, belching (burping) and stomach discomfort are particularly prevalent. But what exactly causes these issues, and how can they be effectively managed?

Belching is a natural bodily function that helps release excess gas from the digestive system. The American Gastroenterological Association reports that individuals pass between 1 pint and a half-gallon of gas daily. While this is normal, excessive burping accompanied by stomach pain can be a sign of underlying digestive issues.

Common Causes of Excessive Belching

• Swallowing air while eating or drinking
• Consuming carbonated beverages
• Eating too quickly
• Chewing gum
• Certain dietary choices

Is excessive belching always a cause for concern? Not necessarily. In many cases, it’s a harmless bodily function. However, when accompanied by persistent stomach pain or other digestive symptoms, it may warrant further investigation.

The Intricate Connection Between Diet and Dyspepsia

Our dietary choices play a crucial role in digestive health. Certain foods and beverages are more likely to produce excess gas and contribute to dyspepsia symptoms. Understanding these culprits can help individuals make informed choices to manage their digestive comfort.

Foods Known to Exacerbate Gas and Indigestion

1. Carbonated soft drinks and sparkling water
2. Beer and other alcoholic beverages
3. Starchy foods like potatoes and corn
4. Sugary foods, including candy and baked goods
5. High-fiber foods such as bran, beans, and certain vegetables
6. Sulfuric foods like garlic, onions, broccoli, and cauliflower

Why do these foods cause digestive discomfort in some individuals? The breakdown of carbohydrates, fiber, and certain starches in the large intestine produces more gas as a byproduct. Proteins and fats, on the other hand, generate less gas during digestion.

Heartburn and Indigestion: When Burning Sensation Accompanies Belching

Sometimes, belching is accompanied by a burning sensation in the chest or stomach. This discomfort could be indicative of heartburn or indigestion. But how can one differentiate between these two conditions?

Heartburn occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing a fiery sensation in the chest and sometimes the throat. Indigestion, or dyspepsia, encompasses a broader range of symptoms, including heartburn, burping, and abdominal pain.

Common Triggers for Heartburn and Indigestion

• High-fat foods
• Fried foods
• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Chocolate

Can medications contribute to indigestion symptoms? Indeed, certain medications, particularly nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin or ibuprofen, can trigger or exacerbate indigestion symptoms in some individuals.

Beyond Diet: Other Factors Contributing to Dyspepsia

While diet plays a significant role in digestive health, other factors can also contribute to dyspepsia symptoms. Understanding these potential causes can help in developing a comprehensive approach to managing digestive discomfort.

Non-Dietary Causes of Dyspepsia

• Stress and anxiety
• Smoking
• Certain medications
• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection
• Gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying)
• Gallbladder issues

How does stress impact digestive health? Stress can alter gut motility, increase sensitivity to acid, and affect the balance of gut bacteria, all of which can contribute to dyspepsia symptoms.

Effective Strategies for Managing Dyspepsia Symptoms

While occasional burping and stomach discomfort are usually not cause for alarm, persistent symptoms may require attention. Fortunately, there are several strategies individuals can employ to manage dyspepsia symptoms effectively.

Lifestyle Modifications for Symptom Relief

1. Eat slowly and mindfully to reduce swallowed air
2. Avoid greasy, fatty, and spicy foods
3. Limit or avoid carbonated drinks
4. Stop chewing gum
5. Identify and avoid personal trigger foods
6. Consider using digestive enzyme supplements before meals
7. Practice stress-reduction techniques

Can keeping a food diary help manage dyspepsia symptoms? Absolutely. Maintaining a detailed record of meals, snacks, and associated symptoms can help identify personal trigger foods and patterns, enabling more effective symptom management.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Digestive Symptoms

While many cases of dyspepsia can be managed through lifestyle modifications and over-the-counter remedies, certain situations warrant professional medical attention. Recognizing these signs is crucial for timely intervention and proper treatment.

Red Flags for Digestive Health

• Persistent or severe abdominal pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Difficulty swallowing
• Black or tarry stools
• Vomiting blood
• Symptoms that persist despite lifestyle changes

What diagnostic approaches do healthcare providers use for persistent dyspepsia? Physicians may employ various methods, including physical examinations, blood tests, stool tests, endoscopy, or imaging studies, depending on the presenting symptoms and suspected underlying causes.

Advanced Treatment Options for Chronic Dyspepsia

For individuals with persistent or severe dyspepsia symptoms that don’t respond to lifestyle modifications, various treatment options are available. These approaches aim to address underlying causes and provide symptomatic relief.

Medical Interventions for Dyspepsia

1. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce stomach acid production
2. H2 receptor antagonists as an alternative to PPIs
3. Prokinetics to improve stomach emptying
4. Antibiotics for H. pylori infection
5. Antidepressants in low doses for functional dyspepsia
6. Cognitive-behavioral therapy for stress-related symptoms

How effective are probiotics in managing dyspepsia symptoms? While research is ongoing, some studies suggest that certain probiotic strains may help alleviate symptoms of functional dyspepsia by improving gut microbiome balance and reducing inflammation.

The Role of Gut Health in Overall Well-being

The importance of digestive health extends far beyond the confines of the gastrointestinal tract. Emerging research continues to unveil the intricate connections between gut health and various aspects of overall well-being, including mental health, immune function, and even skin health.

The Gut-Brain Axis: A Two-Way Street

The gut-brain axis refers to the bidirectional communication between the central nervous system and the enteric nervous system of the gastrointestinal tract. This complex network influences not only digestive function but also mood, cognitive processes, and stress responses.

How does gut health impact mental well-being? The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in producing neurotransmitters, including serotonin, which is often referred to as the “happy hormone.” Imbalances in gut bacteria have been linked to various mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression.

Immune Function and Digestive Health

A significant portion of the body’s immune system resides in the gut. The intricate interplay between gut microbiota and immune cells helps regulate immune responses and protect against pathogens.

Can improving gut health boost overall immunity? While more research is needed, maintaining a healthy gut microbiome through diet, probiotics, and lifestyle factors may contribute to a more robust immune system, potentially reducing the risk of various infections and autoimmune conditions.

Emerging Trends in Dyspepsia Management

As our understanding of digestive health continues to evolve, new approaches to managing dyspepsia and related conditions are emerging. These innovative strategies offer promising avenues for more personalized and effective treatment options.

Cutting-Edge Approaches to Digestive Health

• Microbiome analysis and targeted probiotic therapy
• Gut-directed hypnotherapy for functional gastrointestinal disorders
• Fecal microbiota transplantation for certain digestive conditions
• Neuromodulation techniques for managing chronic abdominal pain
• Artificial intelligence in diagnosing and predicting digestive disorders

How might personalized nutrition strategies impact dyspepsia management? Advances in nutrigenomics and microbiome research are paving the way for more tailored dietary recommendations based on an individual’s genetic makeup and gut bacterial composition, potentially offering more effective symptom relief.

Holistic Approaches to Digestive Wellness

While medical interventions play a crucial role in managing severe or persistent dyspepsia, many individuals find value in complementary and holistic approaches to digestive health. These methods often focus on addressing the root causes of digestive discomfort and promoting overall well-being.

Integrative Strategies for Digestive Health

1. Acupuncture for functional dyspepsia
2. Herbal medicine, such as peppermint oil or ginger
3. Mindfulness and meditation practices
4. Yoga for digestive health
5. Nutritional therapy and targeted supplementation
6. Stress management techniques

Can mindfulness practices really impact digestive symptoms? Research suggests that mindfulness-based interventions can help reduce symptoms of functional gastrointestinal disorders by modulating the gut-brain axis and reducing stress-related exacerbations.

The Power of Lifestyle Medicine

Lifestyle medicine, which focuses on evidence-based lifestyle interventions to prevent, treat, and often reverse chronic diseases, offers a comprehensive approach to managing dyspepsia and promoting overall digestive health.

How does sleep quality affect digestive health? Poor sleep has been linked to increased gastrointestinal symptoms, including acid reflux and functional bowel disorders. Prioritizing good sleep hygiene may contribute to improved digestive function and symptom management.

Navigating Digestive Health in Different Life Stages

Digestive health needs and challenges can vary significantly across different life stages. Understanding these variations can help individuals tailor their approach to managing dyspepsia and maintaining optimal digestive function throughout their lives.

Digestive Health Considerations Across the Lifespan

• Childhood: Establishing healthy eating habits and addressing common issues like colic or reflux
• Adolescence: Managing stress-related digestive symptoms and navigating dietary changes
• Adulthood: Balancing work-related stress, family responsibilities, and digestive health
• Pregnancy: Addressing pregnancy-specific digestive issues like morning sickness and heartburn
• Menopause: Managing hormonal changes that can impact digestive function
• Older adulthood: Addressing age-related changes in digestion and medication interactions

How do hormonal fluctuations impact digestive health in women? Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause can significantly influence digestive function, potentially exacerbating symptoms of dyspepsia or other gastrointestinal disorders.

The Future of Dyspepsia Research and Treatment

As our understanding of the complex interplay between diet, lifestyle, genetics, and the microbiome continues to grow, the future of dyspepsia management looks promising. Ongoing research is paving the way for more targeted, personalized approaches to digestive health.

Emerging Areas of Dyspepsia Research

1. Gut microbiome manipulation for symptom relief
2. Novel pharmacological targets for functional dyspepsia
3. Gene therapy for inherited gastrointestinal disorders
4. Advanced imaging techniques for more accurate diagnosis
5. Artificial intelligence in predicting treatment outcomes
6. Personalized nutrition based on genetic and microbiome profiles

How might advances in gut-brain axis research impact dyspepsia treatment? A deeper understanding of the gut-brain connection may lead to novel therapeutic approaches that target both the central nervous system and the enteric nervous system, potentially offering more comprehensive symptom relief.

In conclusion, while belching and indigestion can be uncomfortable and sometimes disruptive, a multifaceted approach to management can often provide significant relief. By understanding the underlying causes, making informed lifestyle choices, and seeking appropriate medical care when needed, individuals can take control of their digestive health and improve their overall quality of life. As research in this field continues to advance, we can look forward to even more effective and personalized strategies for managing dyspepsia and promoting optimal digestive wellness.

Burping and stomach pain: Possible causes and remedies

Burping is one way that the body releases gas. It can occur with stomach pain because of a recent meal, indigestion, or less often, a medical condition.

Gas results either from swallowing air or as a byproduct of the breakdown of food in the large intestine. The American Gastroenterological Association state that people pass between 1 pint and a half-gallon of gas each day.

While burping and passing gas are regular bodily functions, a person may feel that they are burping too much, especially if they have other symptoms, such as stomach pain.

This article looks at common causes and remedies for burping and stomach pain.

Share on PinterestExcess gas can cause a feeling of bloating, discomfort, or abdominal pain.

If gas collects in the digestive system, a person may experience bloating, discomfort, or abdominal pain.

Gas usually does not result from a medical condition, and feeling pressure in the abdomen from gas buildup is common. Bloating and pressure occur when extra gas does not move through the intestines as usual.

Gas can collect after swallowing more air than usual while eating or drinking. Or, this buildup can result from digestive processes.

Certain foods — including those high in carbohydrates, fiber, and most starches — produce more gas. Proteins and fats produce little gas during digestion.

Eating quickly can cause burping with stomach pain.

As a person chews and swallows food, they also swallow air without realizing it. This is a common cause of burping. If a person eats in a rush, they may swallow more air, as well as bigger chunks of food, which can be more difficult to digest.

If the body does not release the gas immediately, pressure builds up, and this can cause pain in the stomach or abdomen.

Some foods and drinks create more gas in the digestive system. This can lead to belching, pressure, and pain in the stomach.

Examples of these foods and drinks include:

• carbonated soft drinks
• sparkling water
• beer
• starchy foods, such as potatoes and corn
• sugary foods, such as candy and baked goods
• high fiber foods, such as bran, beans, and other vegetables and fruits

Some sulfuric foods can also cause an upset stomach or pressure in the abdomen, including:

• alliums, such as garlic, leeks, and onions
• cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and cauliflower

If a burning sensation in the stomach or chest occurs with burping, this could result from indigestion or heartburn.

Heartburn happens when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. It causes a fiery burning sensation in the chest and sometimes the throat. Any burps may taste foul.

Indigestion, or dyspepsia, describe a group of digestive symptoms that include heartburn, burping, and abdominal pain.

These symptoms usually appear in response to eating certain foods or ingredients, such as:

• high fat foods
• fried foods
• caffeine
• alcohol
• chocolate

Other foods and drinks that trigger indigestion vary from person to person.

Indigestion can also result from using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil).

In addition, some infections — such as that caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria — can cause indigestion symptoms.

The issues above are the most common causes of burping with stomach pain. However, a number of other conditions can cause these and similar symptoms in the digestive tract.

Burping and stomach pain may, for example, result from:

Each of these issues has its own symptoms, diagnostic process, and treatments.

Burping with stomach pain is generally a temporary issue that results from consuming certain foods or drinks or eating too quickly.

The following strategies can help prevent the symptoms:

• Eat slowly. Eating slowly and deliberately can reduce the amount of swallowed air.
• Avoid greasy or fatty foods. Gas is common after eating very fatty foods. Avoid fried foods, fast foods, and other high fat foods to help prevent excess gas and stomach pain.
• Avoid spicy foods. Very spicy foods can also aggravate the digestive tract and cause stomach pain and burping.
• Avoid carbonated drinks. Examples include sparkling water, soda, and beer.
• Avoid chewing gum. This can create extra gas in the stomach.
• Avoid other trigger foods. These can vary from person to person. It can help to record each meal and snack in a food diary and check it when symptoms appear to identify possible triggers.
• Use digestive enzymes. It may help to take these supplements before eating foods that are difficult to digest.

When burping and stomach pain happen occasionally, they likely result from indigestion or too much gas in the stomach. This is common and does not require medical attention. Taking preventive steps may be enough to resolve the issue.

However, if burping, pain in the stomach, and other digestive symptoms persist, they may indicate another issue in the digestive system.

To make a diagnosis, a doctor usually runs a number of tests. These can include various blood tests to check enzyme levels and compounds that can indicate other disorders. The doctor may also order a breath test to check for H. pylori infection.

Share on PinterestA person can speak to their doctor if they experience severe pain in the abdomen.

An occasional case of indigestion and burping is usually not a cause for concern.

However, if these issues happen frequently or accompany other symptoms, there may be an underlying digestive issue that requires medical attention.

See a doctor if burping and stomach pain occur with any of the following symptoms:

• bloating
• passing gas excessively
• nausea
• vomiting
• painful cramps
• changes in bowel movements, such as diarrhea, constipation, or both

Anyone who experiences digestive symptoms — including burping and abdominal pain — consistently for more than 1 week may need to see a doctor.

A person should also see a doctor if they experience:

• bloody stool
• severe pain in the stomach or abdomen
• unexplained weight loss
• a loss of appetite

If burping and stomach pain happen occasionally, this is usually not a cause for concern. Certain foods can trigger these and other symptoms of indigestion, as can eating in a rush.

A person can take steps to prevent these symptoms from returning, and it may be a good idea to eliminate triggering foods from the diet.

Anyone experiencing regular burping and symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramps, or changes in bowel movements should see a doctor.

Belching, Bloating, and Flatulence – American College of Gastroenterology

Overview

Intestinal gas is a topic that people often find difficult to discuss, but we all have gas in our intestinal tract. Gas can contribute to a sense of bloating (fullness), belching, abdominal cramps, and flatulence (gas). These symptoms are usually brief and resolve once gas is released by belching or flatulence. Some people can be more sensitive to even normal amounts of gas and develop the above symptoms.

Symptoms

Belching is a normal process and results from swallowed air accumulating in the stomach. The air can either be belched back or can be passed out of the stomach into the small intestine and be subsequently passed as rectal gas (flatus).

Bloating refers to a sense of fullness in the upper abdomen. This can be influenced by gas and/or food accumulation in the stomach. Some patients experience the symptom with normal amounts of gastric gas.

Flatulence refers to the passage of rectal gas. The gas is generally a combination of swallowed air and gas produced by the action of colon bacteria on undigested carbohydrates.

Gas which accumulates in the right upper portion of the colon can lead to pain which could seem like gallbladder pain. Gas which accumulates in the left upper portion of the colon can radiate up to the chest and seem like cardiac pain.

Causes

We all swallow air during the process of eating. Individuals can have excess swallowing due to sucking on hard candies or chewing gum. Drinking carbonated beverages such as soda or beer can also generate excess gastric air. In addition, individuals who experience anxiety may swallow air excessively. Poorly fitting dentures and chronic postnasal “drip” can also cause excess air swallowing. As a result, significant amounts of gas can enter the stomach and small bowel in 24 hours which can lead to belching, bloating or flatulence.

Some carbohydrates cannot be digested by the enzymes in the small intestine and reach the colon where bacteria metabolize them to hydrogen and carbon dioxide gasses. Examples of such food are bran, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and beans. This can result in excess flatulence in some patients. Many patients experience abdominal cramps, bloating and flatulence when they ingest milk, certain cheeses or ice cream because they lack the enzyme (lactase) which is required to digest milk sugars (lactose). This condition, called lactose intolerance, is less common in people of northern European origin.

Another cause of bloating and abdominal distension is termed bacterial overgrowth. This is not an infection, but occurs when there is an excess amount of normal bacteria in the small intestine. This results in increased production of intestinal gas contributing to the above symptoms. Finally, underlying constipation may also contribute to bloating and a sense of abdominal distention.

Risk Factors

As mentioned above, excessive air swallowing, and certain foods and carbonated beverages are significant contributors to belching and flatulence. Some patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) appear to be uniquely sensitive to normal or only slightly increased volumes of intestinal gas and may develop abdominal cramps as a result. Patients with altered anatomy due to surgery or those with certain rheumatologic diseases may be at an increased risk of bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine which can lead to belching, bloating or flatulence.

Some patients, particularly women who have had one or more pregnancies, experience abdominal distension when standing erect. This is often assumed to be gas accumulation. However, if the distension is not present when the patient is lying “flat”, then the likely explanation is weak abdominal muscles (which extend from the lower rib cage to the pelvis on both sides of the umbilicus) due to the stretching and loss of muscle tone which occurs during pregnancy.

Diagnosis

There are individuals who have heartburn and stomach disorders that may swallow air for relief. The diagnosis of esophageal reflux or gastric inflammation should be excluded by x-rays or endoscopy (examining the esophagus and stomach with a flexible tube while the patient is sedated). Abdominal distension when erect but not when recumbent is an indication of weak abdominal muscles. If lactose intolerance is suspected, milk can be withdrawn from the diet and symptoms observed. However, lactose can be administered orally and the hydrogen gas which is generated in susceptible people can be measured in the breath. Postnasal discharge from sinus problems can cause air swallowing and should be considered. If bacterial overgrowth is suspected, your physician may administer a hydrogen breath test.

Blood tests are not usually helpful for gaseous problems but testing for celiac disease may prove useful since failure to absorb wheat, barley, and rye can lead to excess flatulence.

Patients complaining of excessive gas passages may benefit from keeping a “flatus” diary for three days. The time of each gas passage and food for each meal can be noted. The gas passages can be compared to published “normal” flatus frequency.

Treatment

Patients should eliminate carbonated beverages such as soda and beer. Foods such as cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, beans, and bran should be avoided. Milk and other dairy foods should be avoided. Lactaid milk or non-dairy milk such as soy or almond milk can be used. Chewing gum and sucking on hard candies should be avoided. Sugar free gum and hard candies should be avoided as they may have mannitol or sorbitol as sweeteners which can cause flatulence. To ensure that only potentially symptom causing foods are eliminated without resulting in marked dietary restrictions, patients should eliminate food items one by one and keep a symptom diary.

Simethicone products have been promoted as treatment for gaseousness but their efficacy has not been convincing. Charcoal tablets have also been used to reduce flatulence without convincing benefit. Bismuth subsalicylate has been used to reduce the noxious odor of some sulfa-containing rectal gasses. Alpha-d-galactosidase, an over the counter product, has been used to help in the digestion of complex carbohydrates. Some patients may benefit from this strategy.

Individuals with IBS may benefit from symptomatic therapy for “gas pains” by using antispasmodic therapy such as dicyclomine or hyoscyamine under the tongue.

Some patients with bacterial overgrowth may see improvement from the occasional use of antibiotics to reduce the number of bacteria in the small bowel, thereby reducing gas production.

If weak abdominal muscles are suspected as a cause for abdominal distension, abdominal-tensing exercises may be helpful, although very difficult to achieve when patients are middle aged and older.

 If symptoms fail to respond to the dietary strategies noted above, medical help should be sought to be confident that no other underlying abnormalities are present.

IMPORTANT POINTS

• Belching and flatulence are normal body processes.
• Swallowed air is “gas” in the body and contributes significantly to symptoms.
• Unabsorbed dietary carbohydrates can cause gas production by colon bacteria.
• Carbonated beverages, sucking on hard candy, and chewing gum should be avoided.
• Abdominal distension when erect but not recumbent may be due to weak abdominal muscles.
• Increasing frequency or severity of symptoms should prompt medical attention.

Author(s) and Publication Date(s)

Ronak Modi, MD, and Harris R. Clearfield, MD, MACG, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA – Updated July 2013.

Michael Levitt, MD, Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN, and Larry Szarka, MD, Mayo Graduate School of Medicine, Rochester, MN – Published June 2004.

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Burping a lot? 5 signs your body may be telling you something

Whether it feels like there’s sand in your eye or you’re bothered by excessive burping, it may be worthwhile to listen to what your body is trying to tell you.

Dr. Roshini Raj, assistant professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center, shared a few symptoms that you might want to pay attention to:

Most people get these tiny mouth sores from time to time, and they can make eating and drinking uncomfortable. It’s usually caused by minor injury to your mouth, such as if you bite the inside of your lip. Or it could be a food sensitivity to citrus fruits or a viral infection. If a mouth sore does not heal after three weeks, however, it could be a sign of a potentially more serious problem, Raj said, such as oral cancer. If you don’t have any pain, it could be more serious.

Related

‘Sand’ in your eye

Sometimes a foreign object scratches or damages the surface of the cornea, the clear, protective covering over your eye. Symptoms can include a feeling that sand or dirt is stuck in the eye, sensitivity to light, blurry vision, red or bloodshot eyes, and increased tears. If that sensation doesn’t go away, it could be a corneal abrasion. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, Raj recommended that you see an eye doctor. It’s usually treated with antibiotic drops. “You never want to play around with your eyes,” she says.

Frequent burping

Burping — a releasing of swallowed air from the stomach through the mouth — really needs no explanation. But what causes excessive belching? It could be a sign of acid reflux or stomach ulcers, Raj said. According to the Mayo Clinic, acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can sometimes cause excessive belching by promoting increased swallowing. It’s important to know because chronic acid exposure in your esophagus can cause pre-cancerous changes.

Related

Swollen or painful leg

Pain in the leg — accompanied by swelling, cramping in the calf muscle, warmth over the affected area or changes in skin color — could be a sign of a blood clot. These are more common after long flights or if you smoke, take oral contraceptives or if you have cancer. A blood clot is serious; if it breaks off and goes to your lungs, it can be fatal, Raj said.

Lump under the arm

A lump under the arm could be a minor problem, such as an ingrown hair or enlarged lymph nodes due to a virus, or it could be a sign of a more serious condition, such as breast cancer. Get it checked out if the lump persists for more than a few weeks, Raj says.

Remember, always consult a physician if you have persistent symptoms or before starting any treatment. “When in doubt, check it out,” Raj said.

This updated story was first published in 2014.

Everything you ever wanted to know about indigestion (but were too bloated to ask) | Health & wellbeing

Most of us, particularly at this time of year, recognise the symptoms of indigestion: feeling sick, pain at the top of the abdomen (dyspepsia) or behind the breastbone (heartburn) and lots of burping. You may also feel bloated and particularly full up, even after eating small meals. About a fifth of adults in the developed world get recurring bouts of indigestion that can be distressing and debilitating. There may be an obvious trigger – such as a vindaloo washed down by five pints – but, equally, there may not be anything obvious.

A specific cause is rarely found, even if you have a tube threaded down your throat and into your stomach (an endoscopy) to have a good look around. People often worry about having underlying cancers, but if there are no other worrying symptoms, such as weight loss, difficulty swallowing or repeated vomiting, the risk is extremely low. Drugs that switch off acid production in the stomach, block pain messages to the brain or eliminate the gastrointestinal bacteria Helicobacter pylori (HP) can work wonders. Exercise, relaxation therapies and acupuncture may also help, though the evidence is scarce. Cutting out obvious triggers (such as alcohol, spicy foods and painkillers) makes sense – but, then again, this may not be the easiest month to try.

It feels as if I’m having a heart attack

That’s because the brain finds it hard to distinguish whether pain is coming from the heart or from the stomach and oesophagus. It can be hard to know the difference and, if you are really worried, it’s best to seek urgent medical help. A heart attack may start when you’re exerting yourself – using a treadmill or having sex, for instance. It will usually be a pressure, ache or tight band of pain on the left side of your chest. It can then spread up to your neck and jaw and make you breathless, faint and sweaty. Indigestion (confusingly called “heartburn”) typically starts in the upper abdomen and moves up behind your breastbone. It gets worse when you lie down or bend over because that causes stomach acid to reflux up into the oesophagus. You get a sour taste in your mouth if the acid reaches that far. Antacids (such as Gaviscon or Rennie) that neutralise acid help the pain. If you’ve had it for years, it’s clearly more likely to be indigestion than a heart attack.

My GP says I need tests. Why?

Your GP might want to make sure you haven’t got a specific underlying problem causing inflammation of the lining of oesophagus, stomach or the duodenum, the first part of the intestine. This section of the gut is called the upper gastrointestinal tract or UGI. Inflammation there might be due to acid reflux (gastrooesophageal reflux disease, or Gord), ulcers, the effects of drugs (such as ibuprofen), bacterial infection (by HP, for example) or, rarely, a cancer. The tests will include a blood test for anaemia, stool test for HP and referral for endoscopy for a direct view. You’re more likely to have them if you’re over 50, or have developed persistent indigestion recently that is getting worse.

The tests are clear but I’m still in pain

Sixty percent of people with recurrent dyspepsia don’t have signs of inflammation of the oesophagus (oesophagitis) or stomach (gastritis). There are no ulcers or cancers to be seen. Experts call this functional dyspepsia (FD) and think it’s due to unusual sensitivity of the nerves of the oesophagus and stomach. Tests for the bacteria HP, which is associated with inflammation, are usually negative. Even if HP is found, getting rid of it may not cure the symptoms, though family physican Professor Nigel Flook, of the University of Alberta in Canada, says it’s worth a try. “Treatment of HP can bring lasting relief for a small portion of dyspepsia sufferers.”

So, my gut is highly strung. What can I do?

It may help to know that although functional dyspepsia’s a pain, it’s not dangerous. A one-month trial of acid-suppressing treatment (proton pump inhibitors or PPIs) is often prescribed. Dr Alex Ford, a gastroenterologist at the University of Leeds, says that low-dose amitriptyline (used in the past, in much higher doses, to treat depression) can work well as it reduces pain signals to the brain.

Should I change my lifestyle?

The National Institute for Health and Care Evidence (Nice) recommends lifestyle changes such as losing weight if you’re overweight, cutting down alcohol, eating regular meals and giving up smoking. But according to Flook, it’s hard to predict what, if anything, will help. “The measures that make a difference to dyspepsia are a very individual matter. Possible triggers include eating large and late meals, caffeine, alcohol, fatty meals, NSAIDs [non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen] and other medications.” Exercise, relaxation techniques, psychological therapies and acupuncture may help, but evidence is hard to come by because it hasn’t been a research priority, says Ford. Special diets, such as ones low in short-chain carbohydrate Fodmaps (fermentable, oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides and polyols) that can help people with irritable bowel syndrome, need further research to see whether they will help those with dyspepsia.

Is acupuncture worth a try?

Acupuncturist Rhiannon Griffiths naturally thinks so: “Using a combination of acupuncture points on the legs, feet, hands, arms or tummy to re-regulate the correct flow of energy in the body can settle down the stomach, help digestion and calm irritable bowel syndrome. In Chinese medicine we also see the stomach like a cauldron – warm and bubbling away, so it’s important, especially in winter, to avoid putting cold or raw foods into the stomach as this brings the temperature down too much. The stomach then has to work really hard and expend all its energy in bringing it back up to optimum temperature for best digestion. This can leave you feeling lethargic, with indigestion, or even loose bowels.” No robust evidence has been found for the use of acupuncture in treating functional dyspepsia, though it is unlikely to cause harm.

Why is my indigestion worse after fried foods?

It’s possible you may have gallstones. The symptoms are very similar to dyspepsia: bloating, burping and pain in the upper abdomen. Gallstone pain may be worse after a fatty meal, starts 30 minutes to two hours after eating and is worse on the right-hand side where the gallbladder and liver lie. Your GP can organise an ultrasound scan that will inform diagnosis. If you’ve got lots of stones, you can have your gallbladder removed.

I’m terrified of cancer. What should I look out for?

Most people with indigestion don’t have cancer. These are the warning signs that should make you get urgent medical help: unexplained vomiting, bleeding, anaemia, weight loss and difficulty swallowing. But, remember: if you take 100 people with these alarm symptoms, fewer than four will turn out to have cancer, and only 13 will have some serious problem such as a bleeding ulcer.

Chronic Burping and Belching | SpringerLink

Indigestion that last for days? Find out when to seek medical advice

The medical term for indigestion is ‘dyspepsia’ – this includes several different types of abdominal pain caused by problems with your digestive tract.

Symptoms of indigestion

Indigestion covers a multitude of symptoms. The most common is pain – typically a burning pain in your upper abdomen, or travelling behind your breastbone. However, indigestion can also cause:

• Nausea or being sick.
• Bloating of your tummy.
• Belching.
• Feeling full quickly when you eat.
• Heartburn.

The digestive system

The gut (gastrointestinal tract) is the long tube that starts at the mouth and ends at the back …

Causes of indigestion

Indigestion is usually caused by inflammation in your stomach. This is often due to an excess of stomach acid, which your body produces to digest food. If this acid refluxes into your gullet, it can cause heartburn – burning pain behind your breastbone, sometimes accompanied by a bitter liquid rising into your mouth. In the UK, one in three adults suffer from heartburn and one in six get it at least twice a week.

Other causes include:

Ulcers

Peptic ulcers include ulcers in your stomach and the duodenum – the first part of the gut after your stomach.

Hiatus hernia

Hiatus hernia occurs when the top part of the stomach pushes up into the chest cavity, and it often causes heartburn.

Your medication

Medicines are a common cause of indigestion. Some of the most likely culprits include:

If your indigestion starts, or becomes worse, shortly after you start taking one of these medicines, see your GP. They may be able to change your tablet – or the time you take it – to stop indigestion from occurring.

Medicines that can help

We’ve come a long way in the treatment of indigestion, heartburn and peptic ulcers, and it’s all down to advances in medicines.

When I was a medical student, it was fairly common for people to need surgery to control their symptoms – these days tablets like PPIs (their names all end in ‘-azole’ – omeprazole, lansoprazole, esomeprazole, etc) keep acid under control much better.

Sometimes a germ called Helicobacter pylori can make indigestion worse. Your doctor may perform a breath, stool or blood test for this and if necessary, give you a one-week course of treatment with three different tablets to get rid of it. This doesn’t always work and it involves taking several tablets a day and often having to avoid even a sip of alcohol for a week, but it can greatly reduce the chance of symptoms returning.

When to worry

Indigestion and heartburn are rarely due to a serious cause, but there are some ‘red flags’ or warning signs which should be checked out by a doctor. They include:

• Severe pain which doesn’t settle with remedies from your pharmacist or doctor.
• Being off your food or losing weight for no obvious reason.
• Food sticking when you swallow, or severe pain on swallowing.
• Vomiting up blood or black ‘coffee grounds’.
• Blood in your poo, especially if it’s dark red and mixed in with the poo (rather than being on the paper or in the pan) or passing black, tarry poos.
• Feel generally unwell (which can be down to anaemia) or tired.
• Persistent bloating that lasts for three weeks or longer (which could in rare cases be caused by ovarian cancer).

Further investigation

If you get any of these symptoms, if you have a past history of peptic ulcer or a condition called Barrett’s oesophagus, or if you develop persistent indigestion or reflux (especially with weight loss) over the age of 55, your doctor may recommend further investigations.

There are two main investigations.

Gastroscopy

One is a gastroscopy – a small flexible tube is passed down your throat, sometimes under sedation, to look inside your tummy. This is done as a day case in hospital but you’ll need someone to take you home afterwards.

Colonoscopy

The other, done where an abnormality of the lower bowel is suspected, is a colonoscopy. You take medicines at home to empty your bowels completely, then go in as a day case to hospital and have a small flexible tube passed up from your bottom to examine your large bowel.

Preventing indigestion

There’s much that you can do to relieve or prevent your symptoms happening the first place.

In heartburn, lying down often brings on the problem because the acid doesn’t have to travel against gravity up into your gullet. Propping the head of the bed up on a couple of bricks may help.

So too can losing weight, avoiding tight belts or trousers and staying away from large meals or eating too close to bedtime.

For other indigestion, you may find that some foods like peppermint, tomatoes, alcohol or spicy foods are best avoided.

Your pharmacist can advise on short-term remedies or a course of tablets to relieve the misery. It’s worth reading our article on probiotics too, to see if they might be worth trying.

Stomach Pain …Burping

posted: Oct. 23, 2019.

We carry nutritional products from Standard Process to help with this condition. Call for a consult!

Last reviewedTue 17 September 2019Last reviewedTue 17 Sep 2019

By Jon Johnson

Reviewed by Cynthia Chavoustie, PA

urping is one way that the body releases gas. It can occur with stomach pain because of a recent meal, indigestion, or less often, a medical condition.

Gas results either from swallowing air or as a byproduct of the breakdown of food in the large intestine. The American Gastroenterological Association state that people pass between 1 pint and a half-gallon of gas each day.

While burping and passing gas are regular bodily functions, a person may feel that they are burping too much, especially if they have other symptoms, such as stomach pain.

This article looks at common causes and remedies for burping and stomach pain.

Excess gas

Excess gas can cause a feeling of bloating, discomfort, or abdominal pain.

If gas collects in the digestive system, a person may experience bloating, discomfort, or abdominal pain.

Gas usually does not result from a medical condition, and feeling pressure in the abdomen from gas buildup is common. Bloating and pressure occur when extra gas does not move through the intestines as usual.

Gas can collect after swallowing more air than usual while eating or drinking. Or, this buildup can result from digestive processes.

Certain foods — including those high in carbohydrates, fiber, and most starches — produce more gas. Proteins and fats produce little gas during digestion.

Eating too quickly

Eating quickly can cause burping with stomach pain.

As a person chews and swallows food, they also swallow air without realizing it. This is a common cause of burping. If a person eats in a rush, they may swallow more air, as well as bigger chunks of food, which can be more difficult to digest.

If the body does not release the gas immediately, pressure builds up, and this can cause pain in the stomach or abdomen.

 Certain foods

Some foods and drinks create more gas in the digestive system. This can lead to belching, pressure, and pain in the stomach.

Examples of these foods and drinks include:

• carbonated soft drinks
• sparkling water
• beer
• starchy foods, such as potatoes and corn
• sugary foods, such as candy and baked goods
• high fiber foods, such as bran, beans, and other vegetables and fruits

Some sulfuric foods can also cause an upset stomach or pressure in the abdomen, including:

• alliums, such as garlic, leeks, and onions
• cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and cauliflower

Indigestion or heartburn

High fat foods may cause indigestion.

If a burning sensation in the stomach or chest occurs with burping, this could result from indigestion or heartburn.

Heartburn happens when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. It causes a fiery burning sensation in the chest and sometimes the throat. Any burps may taste foul.

Indigestion, or dyspepsia, describe a group of digestive symptoms that include heartburn, burping, and abdominal pain.

These symptoms usually appear in response to eating certain foods or ingredients, such as:

• high fat foods
• fried foods
• caffeine
• alcohol
• chocolate

Other foods and drinks that trigger indigestion vary from person to person.

Indigestion can also result from using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil).

n addition, some infections — such as that caused by  Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria — can cause indigestion symptoms.

15 possible causes of abdominal painThis article discusses the possible causes of pain in the stomach or abdomen.Read now

Other conditions

The issues above are the most common causes of burping with stomach pain. However, a number of other conditions can cause these and similar symptoms in the digestive tract.

Burping and stomach pain may, for example, result from:

Each of these issues has its own symptoms, diagnostic process, and treatments.

Remedies

Burping with stomach pain is generally a temporary issue that results from consuming certain foods or drinks or eating too quickly.

The following strategies can help prevent the symptoms:

• Eat slowly. Eating slowly and deliberately can reduce the amount of swallowed air.
• Avoid greasy or fatty foods. Gas is common after eating very fatty foods. Avoid fried foods, fast foods, and other high fat foods to help prevent excess gas and stomach pain.
• Avoid spicy foods. Very spicy foods can also aggravate the digestive tract and cause stomach pain and burping.
• Avoid carbonated drinks. Examples include sparkling water, soda, and beer.
• Avoid chewing gum. This can create extra gas in the stomach.
• Avoid other trigger foods. These can vary from person to person. It can help to record each meal and snack in a food diary and check it when symptoms appear to identify possible triggers.
• Use digestive enzymes. It may help to take these supplements before eating foods that are difficult to digest.

Diagnosis

When burping and stomach pain happen occasionally, they likely result from indigestion or too much gas in the stomach. This is common and does not require medical attention. Taking preventive steps may be enough to resolve the issue.

However, if burping, pain in the stomach, and other digestive symptoms persist, they may indicate another issue in the digestive system.

To make a diagnosis, a doctor usually runs a number of tests. These can include various blood tests to check enzyme levels and compounds that can indicate other disorders. The doctor may also order a breath test to check for H. pylori infection.

When to see a doctor

A person can speak to their doctor if they experience severe pain in the abdomen.

An occasional case of indigestion and burping is usually not a cause for concern.

However, if these issues happen frequently or accompany other symptoms, there may be an underlying digestive issue that requires medical attention.

See a doctor if burping and stomach pain occur with any of the following symptoms:

• bloating
• passing gas excessively
• nausea
• vomiting
• painful cramps
• changes in bowel movements, such as diarrhea, constipation, or both

Anyone who experiences digestive symptoms — including burping and abdominal pain — consistently for more than 1 week may need to see a doctor.

A person should also see a doctor if they experience:

• bloody stool
• severe pain in the stomach or abdomen
• unexplained weight loss
• a loss of appetite

 Summary

If burping and stomach pain happen occasionally, this is usually not a cause for concern. Certain foods can trigger these and other symptoms of indigestion, as can eating in a rush.

A person can take steps to prevent these symptoms from returning, and it may be a good idea to eliminate triggering foods from the diet.

Anyone experiencing regular burping and symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramps, or changes in bowel movements should see a doctor.

90,000 Digestive problems while exercising? We tell you what to do

For an athlete, his health and well-being is important – it affects the results of training and competition. Abdominal cramps, nausea, heartburn and other unpleasant manifestations can occur at the most inopportune moment. What caused this and how to avoid it? Let’s figure it out.

Sports medicine experts indicate that almost half of athletes experience minor gastrointestinal problems during exercise.Common symptoms include:

• nausea
• heartburn
• indigestion
• bowel disorder
• irritable bowel syndrome.

Digestive problems are sport specific. For example, jogging fans are the most frequently consulted doctors for digestive disorders. The occurrence of unpleasant manifestations of the gastrointestinal tract during running usually does not indicate significant health risks, but such an unpleasant experience can reduce the motivation for sports.

Mechanism of the development of the problem

Different types of training actively load certain muscle groups, for example, when running, the quadriceps are actively loaded. There is a kind of competition between muscles and internal organs for blood flow. Since the needs of muscles for oxygen and nutrients are higher than those of the internal organs, during intensive running, up to 80% of the blood flow can be directed to the legs. As a result, the digestive system has fewer resources to digest and absorb food and water consumed before and during exercise.The stomach gives way, and the pizza that you ate half an hour before training may “be asked to go out.”

The risk of unpleasant consequences is increased if food is eaten immediately before exercise. Everyone chooses the right time for himself: some can comfortably exercise a quarter of an hour after eating, while others should eat at least 2 hours before training. The higher the intensity of the exercise, the more blood is redirected from the digestive system to the muscles, which also affects the occurrence of pain in the abdomen.

Does the above mean that you need to give up intense training? Absolutely not, you just need to consider a number of important recommendations to reduce the risks of problems with the digestive tract. In general, there is a lot of individuality in this matter, you need to learn to feel your body and track its reaction to different types of loads and food. Below are general guidelines for avoiding problems common to the most popular sports.

Running

Problems

The main problems when running are:

• abdominal cramps
• diarrhea
• stitching pains in the side

which often leads to abdominal cramps and diarrhea.That is why, during amateur marathons, doctors often record these very complaints. Stitching pains in the side are also a common problem among runners. They arise from the effects of gravity and additional stress on the connective tissues of the abdominal cavity.

How to fight

In the event of abdominal cramps , it is necessary to ensure the flow of a sufficient amount of blood to the intestines – slow down the running speed and wait for the pulse rate to decrease.

In case of development of diarrhea , it is better to look for a secluded place or a composting toilet, if there is one nearby.You should always have the appropriate preparation on hand during your workout so you will feel better.

In case of stitching pains in the side , slow down the run. A gentle tilt of the torso to the side, to the side opposite to the pain, can also help.

How to prevent

• Sufficient fluid intake. Drink 110-170 ml of liquid every 15-20 minutes of training. If the classes are long, then you should alternate the use of plain water and special drinks containing the necessary minerals, which are actively lost with sweat.
• Avoid carbonated drinks: while running, they can provoke bloating.
• Limit your intake of fat and fiber on the day of your workout. These types of nutrients are digested more slowly than carbohydrates and proteins, which can pose problems when exercising. Foods containing lactose (this compound is abundant in milk), sorbitol (found in chewing gum) and caffeine also lead to changes in the digestive system that are undesirable when playing sports. Therefore, these foods should be avoided at least 4 hours before running.

Cycling

Problems

Cyclists are most likely to experience the following types of digestive problems:

Heartburn is common among cyclists and is caused by leaning the body forward while riding. In our country, bicycles for cross-country are gaining more and more popularity, most people have already switched to this type of bicycle equipment. The design of these types of bicycles is based on a lowered handlebar and a raised saddle.Therefore, the tilt of the cyclist’s body is very significant, this increases the pressure on the stomach and intestines, which leads to heartburn. Symptoms of indigestion include abdominal pain, heaviness, and bloating. Indigestion in cyclists is most often due to a lack of time to digest food before cycling. At the time of physical activity, the body works to supply blood to the muscles, and not the digestive organs, which leads to unpleasant sensations.

How to fight

If heartburn occurs , you should bend forward as much as possible.Ideally, you should take a short break, take a strictly upright position, or just walk with your bike for a few minutes. It is important not to consume water or food until the symptoms of heartburn are over, otherwise there is a risk of aggravating them.

Help with indigestion enzyme preparations that will help speed up the breakdown of food. Chamomile or mint hot tea will also relieve symptoms.

Prevention

• If you are prone to heartburn, it is a good idea to take a medication for it on the road.Of course, over-the-counter heartburn medications should not be overused, they have significant side effects. In case of regular occurrence of such problems, it is necessary to contact a gastroenterologist, who will help to adjust drug treatment, give recommendations regarding nutrition and training regimen.
• Work on your posture while riding. Try to keep your back straight, not arched. This will reduce the pressure on your internal organs. Make sure the saddle and handlebars are at the correct height.There are specific cyclists’ guides on this subject, use them as needed.
• Be careful with your food when cycling. Energy bars and sports snacks are popular with cyclists. Unfortunately, some people are addicted to them and consume excessive amounts of food while driving, which leads to digestive problems. If your workout lasts less than an hour, then it is best not to consume any snacks at all. When exercising for more than 60 minutes, you should consume 200-300 calories every hour in the form of sports drinks, bars and snacks.This must be done, since the reserves of glycogen (“fuel” for muscles) in the body after prolonged workouts are depleted, and the breakdown of fats does not have time to compensate for the energy needs of the athlete.
• To prevent indigestion, you should thoroughly chew food: solid — from 30 to 40 times, soups, mashed potatoes and cereals — at least 10 times. Allocate enough time for eating, do not be distracted by conversations and extraneous actions. Snacking while riding is also detrimental to your digestive tract — stop and find a quiet place to eat.

Swimming

Problems

Among the problems with the digestive system among swimmers, the most common are:

• abdominal cramps
• belching
• swelling
• nausea

Having emerged, they are forced to exhale and inhale very quickly. As a result, the likelihood of involuntary swallowing of air and even water increases. Filling the stomach with air leads to belching, and swallowing water can lead to abdominal cramps.

How to fight

Will help get rid of nausea and abdominal cramps Reducing speed and rolling onto your back, since most of the unpleasant digestive symptoms during swimming occur while lying on your stomach. You can also try to swim with your head constantly above water, that is, without temporary immersion, as required by the standard manner of swimming breaststroke, crawl and other styles.

If belching or distention occurs , leave the pool and do a small session of a special breathing technique.Carminative drugs will also help (in the event of a single problem), which help to reduce the formation of gases in the gastrointestinal tract and remove them from the body.

Prevention

• Practice breathing technique. Proper technique allows you to get oxygen more efficiently while swimming while avoiding swallowing air and water. Rotate your head to the side rather than forward as your head comes out of the water to inhale to reduce the risk of water being swallowed. Do not hold your breath under water, but slowly exhale the air until the mouth comes out to the surface.
• Wear a swimming cap. This is especially important when swimming in open water, this approach reduces the impact of waves on the head, causing disorientation and swallowing water and air.

Strength Training

Problems

Weightlifters commonly experience the following digestive problems during training:

• Heartburn
• Indigestion

Some people hold their breath when bending over to lift it.This puts pressure on the stomach and can cause heartburn and indigestion. This is why weightlifters such as powerlifters are more likely to experience heartburn than other sports enthusiasts.

How to fight

Heartburn during exercise can help a couple of sips of water. Also, in agreement with the gastroenterologist, it is possible to take a remedy for heartburn.

In case of indigestion during exercise, stop exercising and take medication.containing enzymes. The drugs are suitable for a particular case, if indigestion appears constantly during sports activities, you should consult a specialist.

Prevention

• Practice breathing techniques while lifting weights. Lifting weights should be accompanied by exhalation, and lowering weights should be accompanied by inhalation.
• Sleep on an incline. Sometimes an extra pillow helps, but in case of spinal problems, a different method is needed.
• Limit the size of your dinner, try not to eat late. Digestion slows down while you sleep, so a heavy late dinner can lead to heartburn during your morning workout.
• Avoid foods that provoke heartburn. These include chocolate, citrus fruits, coffee, mint and onions.

Natural remedies to normalize digestion

Below are natural remedies to help restore the balance of the digestive system disturbed by training. These beneficial herbal remedies are available in supplement form, but are best consumed as a tea.

Heartburn and bloating

Try chamomile tea, which has anti-inflammatory properties and is great at night. This plant has a calming effect on the entire digestive tract.

Nausea

Try ginger root. This plant suppresses stomach cramps and aids digestion.

Abdominal cramps and diarrhea

For some digestive problems, mint is helpful.This herb contains menthol, which helps control spasms in the muscles of the digestive tract, leading to soreness and diarrhea.

If the problem is of a single nature, then the tips from the article will be useful for you. Persistent digestive problems should be dealt with with a specialist. Make an appointment with our gastroenterologist for the near future.

Stomach neurosis treatment in St. Petersburg 🞧 Stomach neurosis treatment in VeraMed

Stomach neurosis

– functional indigestion due to impaired nervous regulation.Other names for gastric neurosis: gastroneurosis, functional dispensation, disturbance of the nervous regulation of the stomach.

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Forms of stomach neurosis

• Stomach neurosis with heartburn. Heartburn is not relieved by drugs, and pathology is not detected during examination.
• Aerophagic form with belching, flatulence.
• Bulimic form with severe hunger and vomiting after eating.
• Anorexic form with aversion to food. This form of neurosis is the most dangerous, as it leads to depletion of the body, and in critical cases, to death.
• Neurosis of the stomach with low acidity, with poor appetite, heaviness in the abdomen, constipation.

Symptoms of stomach neurosis

• heartburn, belching, flatulence, cramps, indigestion, lack of appetite or hunger even shortly after eating, constipation or loose stools, nausea, vomiting, pain in the sternum, abdominal pain.
• anxiety, poor sleep, obsessive thoughts, search for imaginary diseases in oneself, headache and dizziness, surges in blood pressure, depression.

Stomach neurosis, in contrast to gastric diseases such as gastritis, peptic ulcer, proceeds with some peculiarities:

• There is always a neurotic background – irritability, anxiety, insomnia, obsessive thoughts.
• Worsening of the state and increased pain after stress.
• Ineffectiveness of gastroenterological drug treatment and a quick positive effect after taking sedatives.
• Vegetative symptoms – palpitations, sweating, frequent urination, surges in blood pressure.
• Abdominal pain in the absence of pathological changes during examination.

Causes of stomach neurosis

The main causes are stress, overwork, relationship problems at work and with loved ones, illness, loss of a loved one or painful breakup, etc.

Gastroneurosis occurs most often against the background of a neurotic state after poisoning , gastrointestinal infection, a sharp change in diet, strict diets, episodes of overeating, etc.p.

Constant mental stress after another stress leads to disruption of the nervous regulation of the gastrointestinal tract.

The vagus nerve is responsible for the secretion of the stomach; for its optimal function, rest and peace of mind is necessary. Chronic stress disrupts the work of the vagus nerve – the secretion of the stomach, motility, absorption of food, etc. are disrupted.There are several most common practices:

Psychotherapy

The main method of treating any neuroses, including gastroneurosis, is psychotherapy. In particular, hypnotherapy as a psychotherapy technique allows you to remove mental stress and excessive stimulation of the vagus nerve.

Reflexology

Reflexology. The technique well relieves the vegetative manifestations of gastroneurosis, reduces excessive nervous stimulation of the stomach, in addition, it helps well with neuroses combined with gastritis.

Drug therapy

Used as an auxiliary therapy. Antidepressants, tranquilizers, nostropy, and medicinal agents are prescribed. Taking antidepressants and tranquilizers can be difficult due to stomach problems, but relieving stress with medication can often be beneficial.

Physiotherapy

Baths, massage, binaural stimulation, etc.

Healthy lifestyle

General strengthening measures and diet.

The author of the article:

Mukminov Albert Alekseevich

Chief physician of the medical center “VERAMED”

Types of gastritis and its treatment

March 28, 2013

Unpleasant stomach pains are familiar to many. Most often, the discomfort in this area is associated with gastritis. This disease can occur at any age due to malnutrition, overeating, nervousness, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption.As a result, the body is attacked by the Helicobacter pylori bacterium. Scientists have made this discovery recently, but after that the preventive measures of gastritis and its treatment have changed dramatically.

With gastritis, the gastric mucosa is irritated, it becomes inflamed and painful sensations appear from this. It is this bacterium that irritates the walls of the stomach. Helicobacter pylori infection affects the membrane and destroys it. If the walls of the stomach are damaged superficially, then this is gastritis, although there may be deeper wounds – an ulcer.However, the bacterium Helicobacter pylori can live in the body for a long time without showing its symptoms. It is activated with favorable factors for it – weakening of a person’s immunity, malnutrition.

The process of the appearance of gastritis is very simple: due to problems with nutrition, the walls of the stomach are damaged. In response to such a problem, the body reacts as follows: it produces a large number of immune cells. Outwardly, it manifests itself as an inflammatory process.So an exacerbation of gastritis is also an attempt by the body to cure itself. There are other reasons for the appearance of gastritis: a burn of the stomach lining. If a person drinks strong alcohol or another chemical, such as alkali or acid, gets into the stomach. In addition, certain medications, such as acetylsalicylic acid, anti-inflammatory drugs, and antibiotics, can irritate the stomach walls.

Severe gastritis pains have the character of attacks.And often when the painful sensations pass, the patient no longer wants to go to the hospital. However, this is not correct, because the cause of the pain has not been eliminated and the gastritis is progressing. The manifestation of symptoms in adults and in children is no different, but children are more difficult to tolerate. Sharp and sharp pains appear either on an empty stomach, or some time after eating. Also, one of the symptoms of indigestion is increased salivation. The body thus tries to protect the walls of the stomach from the effects of acidic juice.Also, if a person has heartburn, you should consult a specialist, as this is the first sign of gastritis. After eating, nausea and even vomiting may appear, as well as belching with a slightly sour smell and taste. With gastritis, the stool is necessarily disturbed: diarrhea or constipation occurs. And the general condition of the body leaves much to be desired: weakness, irritability, drowsiness, fatigue – all these are symptoms of gastritis. It is worth noting that with this disease, a person dramatically loses weight.

There are two types of gastritis: acute and chronic. The second is much more complicated than the first, and it manifests itself due to untimely admission to the hospital with acute gastritis, due to frequent acute attacks.

It is much more difficult to cure chronic gastritis, since in this case it is not just the surface membrane of the stomach walls that is irritated, as in acute gastritis, but the inflammatory process is directed deeper, and the affected area is larger. True, chronic gastritis sometimes develops as an independent disease, and not as a consequence of an acute one.Due to the fact that its course is often calm, it is detected only in the later stages, when the treatment is more demanding. That is why everyone should be more attentive to himself and his body. If a person feels unwell, he has problems with the work of the gastrointestinal tract, then it is imperative to inform your doctor about the discomfort. Diagnosing this disease won’t hurt anyone.

Also, chronic gastritis can cause permanent dental caries or mental disorders, in addition, if a person works in hazardous industries and inhales poisonous fumes, this form of this disease can also develop.Chronic gastritis proceeds in different ways: with decreased secretion of gastric juice, with normal and increased secretion. The symptoms of the disease depend on this. If a patient has a secretory deficiency, then his appetite decreases, an unpleasant odor and a metal taste appear in his mouth. Belching with gastritis with reduced secretion of gastric juice gives off a rotten egg. The stomach regularly feels heaviness, and after eating, nausea and vomiting are possible.

Disease with normal or increased secretion of gastric juice usually begins at a young age.At the same time, there are frequent eructations of a sour taste, constant heartburn, heaviness in the pancreas. Two to three hours after eating, there is a feeling of fullness of the stomach, heaviness, pain begins. All these symptoms disappear after eating. It is worth noting that gastritis with high acidity is exacerbated if the patient has taken stale food.

Treatment of gastritis should be started as early as possible. To begin with, you need to go on a diet, excluding fried, smoked, salty and other food heavy for the stomach from your diet.Diet for gastritis can be invisible if all family members change their diet. The menu is prescribed by the attending physician, as it is very individual. The level of gastric secretion and physiological characteristics are taken into account. However, it is known for sure that a patient with gastritis should never drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes, drink carbonated drinks and coffee. What medicines to prescribe to the doctor will show fibroesophagogastroduodenoscopy (FGDS). This study reveals the degree of neglect of the disease and the level of acidity.Nevertheless, there are drugs, the use of which for any form of gastritis is possible, these are Gaviscon, Maalox, Gastal. They will help relieve pain, normalize the stomach.

It is not worth excluding folk remedies in the fight against gastritis. Even doctors agree with at least some of the advice. So, the use of herbal medicine for stomach diseases helps to get rid of pain. However, herbs alone cannot cure gastritis completely, so you should still consult a doctor, and herbal medicine should be used as a concomitant treatment.

There is a severe degree of this disease – erosive gastritis. It is also called hemorrhagic gastritis. This definition is given for internal bleeding. You can identify this form of the disease by passing tests. If the stool is very dark, almost black in color, this is the first sign that there is blood. You should urgently see a doctor. Blood is secreted from the walls of the stomach, and not from the surface layer – this is a consequence of deep damage. How to treat erosive gastritis can only be decided by a specialized doctor, having carried out a full diagnosis.The most important thing in treatment is diet and regular food intake. There are a few rules to consider when eating. Firstly, you really need to chew food thoroughly, and secondly, eat in small portions and not two or three times a day, but five or six. Thirdly, smoked, fried and salty foods should be completely excluded from your diet. In addition, the food eaten by the patient should be neither too hot nor too cold. Stop eating rough, tough foods that can irritate your stomach.It is better to give your choice to puree-like milled dishes. Since this is a very complex degree of the disease, treatment is carried out in a hospital. There are chances for the patient to recover if erosive gastritis is not started, which is why timely admission to the hospital is so important.

No less complex form of this disease is phlegmonous gastritis. It appears due to damage to the gastric wall by a foreign object. For example, if a fish bone stuck into the wall of the stomach, and a wound remains there, then it subsequently begins to fester.Thus, a pyogenic infection develops. The symptoms of this form of gastritis are different from others. With the phlegmonous form of this disease, the patient’s temperature rises, and severe pains appear in the stomach area. It is not possible to cure pyogenic gastritis on your own. Moreover, with an advanced degree, a complication occurs in the form of inflammation of all organs of the abdominal cavity. The result of this disease without the intervention of specialists is lethal.

Gastritis is less common in children than in adults.The main cause of children with gastritis is the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. In second place is the malnutrition. Also, the cause of this disease in children is rotavirus infection and food poisoning. Many parents believe that gastritis develops in children as soon as they start school. Allegedly, in educational institutions, they do not feed the same way as at home, and children’s stomachs are used to homemade food, which is why gastritis develops. And the diet suffers from this. It is worth noting that children tolerate gastritis much more difficult than adults.But diagnosis and self-medication does not differ from adults.

It should be remembered that gastritis can develop into a stomach or duodenal ulcer. There are many more complex consequences, such as stomach cancer. After gastritis, vitamin deficiency usually occurs. Therefore, it is impossible to leave gastritis without treatment, so as not to get complications.

90,000 Irritable bowel syndrome – treatment at Medline in Kemerovo

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a fairly common disease in which, despite the absence of any painful changes in the internal organs, people experience bouts of severe abdominal pain accompanied by diarrhea, bloating or constipation.

For reference

According to experts, irritable bowel syndrome affects 10 to 15% or more of all adults (mostly young and mature people). Women suffer from IBS more often than men and are prone to developing more severe forms of the disease. Irritable bowel syndrome does not belong to the group of dangerous diseases, however, without adequate treatment, this disorder significantly reduces a person’s quality of life.

Causes of

Irritable bowel syndrome belongs to the group of functional disorders.

That is, this condition occurs in people in whom even the most thorough examination cannot detect any painful changes either in the stomach, or in the intestines, or in other internal organs that could explain the observed symptoms. The exact causes of irritable bowel syndrome are currently not known, and numerous clinical studies show that most likely the development of this disease is based on a violation of a complex program of intestinal regulation under the influence of the following factors:

• stress, chronic overwork
• hereditary predisposition
• consumption of certain food items
• changes in the composition of intestinal microflora

IBS and stress

The relationship between stress and the development of irritable bowel syndrome has been proven by numerous observations that have shown a significant increase in the frequency and severity of the disease in people prone to strong emotional experiences (loss of relatives or friends, unfavorable family environment) or chronic overwork at work.

IBS and food

Many people with irritable bowel syndrome report increased abdominal pain or increased diarrhea after eating milk, eggs, cereals (especially wheat products), nuts, soy products, and red meat (beef, pork).

note

If you notice that the symptoms of the disease intensify after eating the above products, as well as milk or cereals (any flour products), be sure to go through a doctor’s examination!

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms and Signs

The main symptom of irritable bowel syndrome is sudden and recurring bouts of abdominal pain or discomfort.

Many people with IBS experience cutting, twisting, cramping pains similar to those of food poisoning or diarrhea (or a feeling of urgency to defecate). After a bowel movement, abdominal pain either completely disappears or becomes much weaker. Some people with IBS develop diarrhea at the same time as an attack of abdominal pain, while others, on the contrary, have constipation. Attacks of abdominal pain with constipation (or diarrhea) may occur several times a week or more often (up to several times a day).The total duration of one period of illness can be several months or years.

Despite the fact that the symptoms of IBS are a significant inconvenience, less than 1/3 of patients go to the doctor, considering the symptoms of the disease to be a manifestation of food poisoning, indigestion, a personal feature of the work of their digestive tract, or a sign of diseases of other internal organs. In people with IBS, symptoms of functional dyspepsia may often be present: abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating, frequent belching, which are often perceived as symptoms of gastritis or stomach ulcers.

When should you see a doctor?

The symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome can be completely indistinguishable from the signs of some dangerous diseases of the intestine and other internal organs (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, bowel cancer, intestinal infections), which require urgent medical attention and special treatment.

Contact the Medline clinic if:

• diarrhea contains blood impurities or if you notice bloody discharge from the anus
• last blood test showed you have anemia (low hemoglobin)
• you began to lose weight for an unknown reason
• bouts of diarrhea and abdominal pain wake you up at night and make you get out of bed
• simultaneously with abdominal pain and diarrhea, an increase in body temperature is observed
• over time, diarrhea or constipation gets worse and does not respond to usual treatment
• someone in your family has or has celiac disease, bowel cancer, ovarian cancer, Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• diarrhea (more frequent and loose stools) came on suddenly and lasts more than 6 weeks in a person over 60 years old

Read “Practical homeopathy” – Varshavsky Viktor Iosifovich – Page 22

DYSPHAGIA

Ignacy 6, 12, 30 – feeling of “lump” in the throat.

Aza fetida 3X, 3, 6, 12 – “lump” rising up the esophagus. One of the main remedies for stomach discomfort (pressure, belching, rumbling, etc.).

Abies 3, 6 – feeling of a “stone” in the lower part of the esophagus during or immediately after eating.

Combination: cuprum 3, 6 – acidum hydrocyanatum 3, 6, naya 6 – esophageal spasm with reflexive feeling of suffocation, fear of death, heart rhythm disturbances.

BELCH

Argentum nitrikum 3.6, 12 – loud belching with air immediately after a meal in patients excitable, hurried, prone to aerophagia.

Kali carbonicum 3, 6 – belching with air in elderly, asthenized patients with a hypotonic stomach.

Calcarea carbonica 3, 6 or magnesium carbonica 3, 6 – belching “rotten eggs”.

Carbo vegetabilis 3X, 3 – belching with bloating of the upper abdomen after eating in combination with other dyspeptic disorders with intolerance to fatty foods.

Nux moshata 3, 6 – belching with air during aerophagia in neurotics (“all food turns into gas”).

Heartburn

Robinia 3X, 3, 6 – the main remedy for severe heartburn with regurgitation in hyperchlorhydria (“acidism”).

Arsenicum Album 3, 6, 12 – a burning sensation in the epigastrium, disturbing mainly at night.

Phosphorus 6, sodium phosphoricum 3 – burning sensation in the esophagus and epigastrium, vomiting of acidic contents mixed with blood.

Capsicum 3X, 3, 6 – a burning sensation in the esophagus and in the epigastrium, not directly related to food intake.

METEORISM

Medicines associated with aerophagia (argentum nitricum, nux moshata, carbo vegetabilis) are described in the Belching section.

Likopodium 3, 6 – swelling of the lower abdomen in the evening hours, not relieved by the discharge of gases. The unpleasant sensations intensify when the abdomen is pulled together.

China 3X, 3, 6 – bloating of the entire abdomen without independent pain, but with increased sensitivity of the abdominal wall in asthenized patients with enzyme deficiency (anacid gastritis, tendency to diarrhea).

Rafanus 3, 3, 6 – a sharp painful bloating of the abdomen, relieved by the passage of gas and stool.

Graphite 3, 6 – flatulence in obese flaccid persons prone to hemorrhoids, constipation.

Tuya 3, 6 – aerocolia, “symptom of the splenic angle.”

Nausea and Vomiting

Ipecacuana 3X, 3, 6 – vomiting is most often of alimentary origin, accompanied by persistent nausea. The characteristic feature is pure language.

Antimonium crudum 3, 6 – repeated exhausting vomiting, which occurs, as a rule, without prior nausea, more often with alimentary excesses, food errors.Characterized by a white coating on the tongue. One of the main remedies for “indigestion”.

Nux vomica 3X, 3, 6, 12 – morning sickness with persistent urge to vomit. Often included in the dyspeptic syndrome of alcoholics.

Arsenicum album 6, 12 – vomiting in acute food poisoning, nocturnal vomiting in gastric ulcer with a corresponding pain syndrome, aversion to the sight and smell of food.

Acidum sulfuricum 3X, 3 – persistent vomiting in alcoholics, as a means of relieving dyspeptic disorders in hangover syndrome.

Cyclamen 3X, 3 – nausea felt in the throat, intolerance to fatty foods, a tendency to headaches.

Iris 3X, 3 – copious vomiting of acidic contents with a sensation of acid throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Tendency to migraine attacks. It is considered a specific remedy for vomiting associated with pancreatic disease.

Bismutum 3, 6 – vomiting on an empty stomach with a large amount of food masses with a stretched hypotonic stomach and abdominal pain radiating to the back (medicine for pylorus stenosis).

Anacardium 6 – with vomiting on an empty stomach with acidic gastric juice.

Acidum phosphoricum 3X, 3, 6 – with psychogenic vomiting, especially in children.

Colchicum 3X, 3 – vomiting at the sight and smell of food. Sepia 6, 12 – nausea and vomiting, often in the morning, at the sight and smell of food.

Symphoricarpus – nausea and vomiting of pregnant women, arising with the slightest movement and subsiding at rest.

Teridion 6, 12 – bouts of vomiting accompanying dizziness.

Tabacum 3X, 3, 6 – nausea, dizziness, weakness, pallor of the face, chilliness, increased salivation. Acute vagotonic syndrome (motion sickness).

Phosphorus 6, ferrum phosphoricum 3.6 – vomiting of acidic contents mixed with blood or vomiting of “coffee grounds”.

Pulsatilla 3 – nausea not associated with food intake, in the absence of thirst.

DISPEPSIA WITHOUT PREVENTING SYMPTOMS

Acidum sulfuricum 3X, 3, 6 – heartburn, morning sickness and vomiting, belching in alcohol abusers.

Nux vomica 3X, 3, 6 – pain and discomfort in the epigastrium, all types of dyspeptic disorders in patients who are excitable, dysphoric, prone to exogenous intoxication (smoking, alcohol, stimulants). All unpleasant sensations are more pronounced in the first half of the day and 2 hours after eating. Sleepiness after eating.

Pulsatilla 3, 6, 12 – nausea, belching, heartburn, unpleasant bitter taste in the mouth, intolerance to fatty foods, ice cream in emotionally labile women with endocrine insufficiency, a tendency to venous congestion.

Graphite 3, 6, 12 – unpleasant taste in the mouth in the morning, heartburn, aggravated by meat and fatty foods, flatulence in obese flaccid patients with a tendency to skin diseases, hemorrhoids, constipation.

Antimonium crudum 3, 6 – heaviness in the epigastrium, belching, heartburn, flatulence, nausea and vomiting with white bloom on the tongue. All complaints are most often associated with an alimentary factor (overeating, intolerance to certain foods).

APPETITE DISORDERS

Arsenicum album 6, 12, sepia 6, 12, colchicum 3, 6 – lack of appetite with aversion to the sight and smell of food.

China 3, 6, quininum arsenicosum 6 – anorexia in patients asthenized by long-term debilitating diseases.

Ferrum 3, 6, 12 – asthenized patients suffering from chronic anemia.

Ignation 6, platinum 6, acidum phosphoricum 3, pulsatilla 3 – inconsistent loss of appetite in emotionally labile persons, aversion to certain types of food.

Iodum – bulimia with increased basal metabolism (no weight gain).

Magnesia muriatika 6, 12, ignorance 12, 30 – bulimia in emotionally labile women.

Psychosomatics. Soul and body get sick together – Yarreg

With the help of the stomach, a person digests not only food, but also various life situations and problems.

The term “psychosomatics” reflects the inseparable unity and mutual influence of the soul and body. Psychosomatic illnesses are those caused by mental factors rather than physiological causes.Medical psychologist Olga Nikiforova spoke about this.

Our inner conflicts, complexes, unmet needs or repressed emotions can transform into bodily ailments and suffering.

In recent years, the list of diseases caused by psychosomatic causes has expanded significantly. In addition to hypertension, bronchial asthma, hyperthyroidism, allergies, stomach ulcers, psychosomatic diseases include coronary heart disease, functional disorders of the digestive system, constipation, biliary dyskinesia, vasomotor rhinitis, neurodermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, migraine, urinary disorders and others.

Consider, for example, how our state of mind affects the development of psychosomatic disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.

With the help of the stomach, people not only digest food, in a psychological sense, it helps to digest various life situations, problems, to survive them. Gastritis, as a rule, develops in people who have been in a state of uncertainty for a long time: they are not sure about their future, they are convinced that nothing good can be expected from life.Also, the cause of gastritis can be an outburst of intense anger that has been suppressed, driven in, or a serious offense, swallowed but not digested. A person experiences a state of distress, and as a result, the blood supply and functions of the gastric mucosa are disrupted, immunity decreases and the regeneration of mucous cells worsens.

The psychosomatic cause of heartburn is fear or suppressed aggression, for example, when life circumstances and environment do not suit a person, and he persistently tries to convince himself that everything is fine.

Functional stomach disorders are manifested in the form of pain, dyspepsia (indigestion), belching, nausea, vomiting. Dyspepsia as a functional disorder is associated with the inability to assimilate information coming from the outside world.

The psychological profile of people with peptic ulcer disease includes anxiety, irritability, increased diligence and a heightened sense of duty. Such people are characterized by low self-esteem, accompanied by excessive vulnerability, shyness, resentment, insecurity and, at the same time, increased demands on themselves, suspiciousness.

These people strive to do much more than they really can. Typical for them is a tendency to actively overcome difficulties, combined with strong internal anxiety. Anxiety gives rise to a state of tension, which can be accompanied by spasms of the smooth muscles of the wall of the digestive organs and their vessels. The oncoming deterioration of their blood supply (ischemia) leads to a decrease in the resistance of these tissues, digestion of gastric juice and the subsequent formation of ulcers. And the likelihood of recurrent exacerbations of the disease is the greater, the less self-esteem associated with these psychological characteristics is adjusted.

Hyperresponsible people who live for others, take on too much, but do not see the real return from their efforts get sick with gastric ulcer. They are suspicious, suffer from a lack of love and a feeling of unfulfillment.

So, if a person, ignoring the signals of his own body, continues to leave psychological problems unresolved, forcing the stomach to digest them with the last bit of strength, even more serious diseases are possible. So isn’t it better to deal with resentments, fears, self-dissatisfaction or irritation that has become habitual, than then painfully trying to get rid of piled up ailments?

It is important to know

When in case of psychosomatic pathology of the stomach and intestines should one seek psychological advice and help?

1. You are being treated by a gastroenterologist for a long time, and there are no results – ulcers and colitis return in stressful situations.

2. You feel that psychosomatic diseases of the stomach and intestines are your experiences and stresses, but you don’t understand which ones and don’t know how to cope with them.

3. If your digestion is disturbed, you have pain, bloating, diarrhea or cramps.

4. If your mood is depressed and depressed for more than four weeks.

5. If, along with stomach and intestinal symptoms – pain, indigestion, indigestion, you feel tired or stressed, poor sleep or insomnia.

By the way

The solution of psychosomatic problems should be comprehensive, in which not an isolated organ or system is to be treated, but a person with unique characteristics of his body and personality. And therefore the most effective approach is to combine the actual therapy with psychological help.

Photos from open sources

Overeat. How to help yourself after a meal

A holiday for the whole country or a family feast – it’s hard to resist not trying everything! Often, an abundance of different foods does not affect the digestive system in the best way. What to do?

Often, after a festive feast, the stomach hurts, stabs in the side, and the intestines go wrong. In principle, we all know roughly what to do with it.For constipation – drink more water, eat more vegetables and boiled beets for a couple of days. For diarrhea, sit on boiled rice or oatmeal jelly, taking over-the-counter products such as activated charcoal, enterosgel, or smecta. For mild abdominal pains, we take over-the-counter medications. Severe or persistent abdominal pain is a reason to see a doctor.

If there is a feeling of fullness in the stomach – for a couple of days we eat simple food without frills – oatmeal, rice porridge, mashed potatoes, broth from turkey breast fillets.Everything seems to be logical: once you have overeat, overloaded the gastrointestinal tract, you need to unload.

When the usual techniques do not help …

What if, despite the measures taken, discomfort, recurrent pain and other frightening phenomena do not go away? You can’t do without a visit to a therapist or gastroenterologist! Overeating can cause gastritis (inflammation of the stomach), gastroduodenitis (inflammation of the stomach and duodenum), enteritis or colitis (inflammation of the small or large intestine).The risk of exacerbation is especially high if you already have chronic gastritis or duodenitis.

The most dangerous disease associated with the gastrointestinal tract is pancreatitis – an acute inflammation of the pancreas. In the case of the development of acute pancreatitis, hospitalization is required, the treatment can be long.

To make a diagnosis and choose a treatment, the doctor will have to do some tests, perhaps an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity. Most lab tests are done in 1-2 business days.In order not to waste time, you can get tested even before the appointment with the doctor.

Where to start?

The most dangerous thing should be excluded – inflammation of the pancreas. Two laboratory tests serve as markers for pancreatic dysfunction:

• Pancreatic amylase – an enzyme that digests carbohydrates from food. Its blood level becomes higher than normal, most often as a result of acute pancreatitis or with exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis. Therefore, the test is prescribed when there is a suspicion of inflammation and damage to the cells of the pancreas.
• Lipase – pancreatic enzyme responsible for the breakdown of fats. As a rule, this analysis is prescribed together with a test for pancreatic amylase: an increase in both parameters can be a sign of acute pancreatitis.

What about indigestion?

Eat – and the stomach swells, rages, pains and diarrhea begin …

In medicine, this is called “digestive disorders”, the reason may be insufficient production of enzymes. pancreas.

The Pancreatic Elastase 1 test in feces will show whether the pancreas secretes enough digestive enzymes. For him, you need to collect the material yourself in a sterile plastic container, which is sold in any pharmacy. The main thing is a little (up to 1/3 of the container volume) and from different parts of the feces collected for analysis.

Multiple gastritis

Overeating can provoke an exacerbation of gastritis. As a rule, its root cause is the bacterium Helicobacter Pylori.Therefore, for a full diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori gastritis, it is worth doing one of two laboratory tests.

• Helicobacter pylori antibodies IgG test will show if the bacteria is present in the body. You can get it from dirty hands and poorly washed dishes. The source of infection is a sick person, and about 50% of people in the world are carriers of Helicobacter. Antibodies – protective proteins of the immune system – appear in the blood 3-4 weeks after infection. For the test, donate blood in the morning on an empty stomach or 3 hours after a small snack.
• 13C urease breath test is a non-invasive, fast and inexpensive way to know if you have H. pylori. It is needed if you have already been diagnosed with this bacterium and you have been prescribed treatment for gastritis with antibiotics. It will be necessary to exhale the air several times into sealed sterile bags. At first, simply, then after drinking 100 ml of citrus or apple juice (bring the juice with you). The test is carried out in the morning on an empty stomach or 6 hours after eating and takes 45-50 minutes.

Do not self-medicate, get tested and contact your gastroenterologist on time! This will minimize the dangerous effects of overeating.