Upset stomach, also known as indigestion or dyspepsia, is a common term
that describes pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen. It is merely a symptom,
not a disease. Upset stomach is often associated with other symptoms such as
nausea, bloating, belching or burping.
Upset stomach is usually caused by excessive secretion of stomach acid
that travels to the oesophagus, causing irritation and discomfort. The stomach
acid breaks down the mucus membranes, causing inflammation and irritation,
which give rise to upset stomach symptoms. Many cases of indigestion are due to
faulty eating and drinking, while few cases are due to infection and bad
effects of certain medicines.
Many people with upset stomach feel the pain in stomach or chest region
soon after eating or drinking. In some cases, the symptoms are aggravated some
time after eating or drinking. Few people feel satiated during meal even on
eating very less.
Potential Causes of
Upset Stomach
- Overeating or eating too fast
- Eating fatty, spicy, greasy foods
- Drinking too much of alcohol and caffeinated beverages
- Prolonged stress
- Emotional trauma
- Obesity
- Hiatus hernia
- Gallstones
- Pancreatitis
- Peptic ulcers
- Smoking
- Bade effects of medicines
Upset Stomach Treatment
Treatment
often depends on the cause and severity of the symptoms. Lifestyle changes and
healthy diet can help reduce upset stomach symptoms; for instance, avoiding
foods containing fat and spices, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, getting
adequate sleep and staying away from fizzy drinks. Medications that help treat
upset stomach are –
- Acid reducers or Antacids – These medicines suppress the secretion of stomach acid. They include Rolaids, Maalox, Alka-Seltzer, etc. They are available over-the-counter.
- Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) – They suppress acid production by inhibiting proton pump, which include Pantaprazole, Omeprazole and Rabeprazole.
- H2-recpetor antagonists – Ranitidine is a commonly used H2-receptor inhibitor.
- Antibiotics – Antibiotics are prescribed when there is an underlying bacterial infection that is causing upset stomach.
Upset Stomach, if left untreated, can lead to severe gastric complications. So visit
your GP and seek proper medical care!
