Dysphagea Swallowing Difficulties

Indigestion has many causes, including:

Diseases:

• Ulcers

• GERD

• Stomach cancer (rare)

• Gastroparesis (a condition where the stomach doesn’t empty properly; this often occurs in diabetics)

• Stomach infections

• Irritable bowel syndrome

• Chronic pancreatitis

• Thyroid disease

Medications:

• Aspirin and many other painkillers

• Estrogen and oral contraceptives

• Steroid medications

• Certain antibiotics

• Thyroid medicines

Lifestyle:

• Eating too much, eating too fast, eating high-fat foods, or eating during stressful situations

• Drinking too much alcohol

• Cigarette smoking

• Stress and fatigue

Functional:

Sometimes people have persistent indigestion where no known cause is found and endoscopy is normal. This type of indigestion is called functional, or nonulcer dyspepsia. Infection with a bacterium (germ) called Helicobacter pyloriis considered as a probable factor.

• Through history and Examination

• Blood test or X_ray

• Upper GI Endoscopy

• Not to chew with your mouth open, talk while chewing, or eat too fast. Eat slowly
  This causes you to swallow too much air, which can aggravate indigestion.
  Eat small frequent meals

• Drink fluids after rather than during meals.

• Avoid late-night eating.

• Try to relax after meals.

• Do not exercise with a full stomach

• Do not lie down right after eating.

• Wait at least 3 hours after your last meal of the day before going to bed

• Avoid spicy foods and acidic foods

• Stop smoking/alcohol

• Learn relaxing techniques to relieve stress

• Avoid wearing tight-fitting garments because they tend to compress the stomach

• Raise the head of your bed.

Because indigestion can be a sign of a more serious health problem, call your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Vomiting or blood in vomit (the vomit may look like coffee grounds)

• Unexpected weight loss

• Loss of appetite

• Black, tarry stools or visible blood in stools

• Severe pain in upper right abdomen

• Pain in upper or lower right abdomen

• Discomfort unrelated to eating