INDIGESTION PROBLEMS

INDIGESTION PROBLEMS

Indigestion is a common problem – most of us suffer from occasional bouts of indigestion at some point or another and it is usually not a cause for concern. However, if it is a regular or persistent problem, then it might be a sign of a more serious underlying health condition and it is essential you have it checked by a specialist.

Indigestion, known medically as dyspepsia, typically presents as a burning pain in your upper abdomen or higher. However, it can also cause nausea, vomiting, bloating, belching, heartburn and feeling full quickly whenever you eat.

It is usually caused by inflammation in your stomach and might be the result of ulcers, hiatus hernias, or as a side effect of certain medications.

INDIGESTION AS A SIGN OF SOMETHING MORE SERIOUS

The symptoms of indigestion can be symptoms of stomach or oesophageal cancer, so it is necessary to eliminate this possibility, particularly in older patients. Warning signs can be that the pain associated with indigestion does not respond to medications prescribed by your doctor, losing weight suddenly or losing interest in your food. Difficulty swallowing, vomiting or passing blood, persistent bloating and extreme fatigue also require further investigation.

DIAGNOSIS OF INDIGESTION PROBLEMS

A gastroscopy is used to identify the cause of any indigestion problems. A small flexible tube known as an endoscope with a small camera at the end is passed down the throat to look inside the oesophagus, stomach and the upper part of the small intestine.

INDIGESTION AS A SIGN OF SOMETHING MORE SERIOUS

DIAGNOSIS OF INDIGESTION PROBLEMS

ACID REFLUX

Acid reflux is a common cause of indigestion. It happens when the acid produced by your stomach moves up into your oesophagus when the ring of muscles that form a valve between the stomach and oesophagus fails to close properly. If it happens often, you may be suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is a common condition and, if left untreated, it can cause more serious problems.

Surgical options include fundoplication which tightens and reinforces the valve of muscles by wrapping the upper part of the stomach around the outside of the lower oesophagus to strengthen the sphincter. This is undertaken by keyhole surgery through very small incisions and many patients can go home the same day.

The Stretta procedure is an outpatient procedure performed with an endoscope fitted with an electrode that makes small cuts in the tissue of the oesophagus. Scar tissue that forms helps to strengthen the surrounding muscles and reduces sensitivity to the stomach acid.

PEPTIC ULCER

Another cause of indigestion is peptic ulcer disease. Stomach acid eats away at the lining of your stomach and small intestine resulting in open sores. The most common symptom of peptic ulcers is stomach pain which often feels like indigestion. Other symptoms include nausea, bloating and intolerance of fatty foods.

Peptic ulcers are usually caused by an infection from the Helicobacter pylori bacteria or the long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Stress and spicy food can make the symptoms worse, but do not cause peptic ulcers.

Left untreated, peptic ulcers can cause significant problems, including internal bleeding, a perforation in your stomach wall, obstructions in the digestive tract and an increased risk of gastric cancer.

Treatment of peptic ulcers depends on the cause which can be identified with a gastroscopy or laboratory tests for H. pylori. The treatment will then either be to eradicate the H. pylori bacterium if present with antibiotics or reducing the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Medications to block and/or reduce acid production will also be prescribed.

For more information or to make an appointment,
contact 03000 204 734.

(This is a standard rate number)

For more information or to make an appointment,
contact
03000 204 734.

(This is a standard rate number)

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