A feeling of gastric discomfort, including fullness and distension, affecting the stomach and/or oesophagus (gullet).
Causes: high alcohol intake, eating large meals, eating very spicy foods, smoking, medicines, being over-weight, pregnancy, medical conditions- Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), Gastritis, Duodenal ulcers, Gastric ulcers and irritable bowel disease. Unlikely causes would be gastric and oesophageal cancers or atypical angina.
Symptoms: Abdominal discomfort, bloating, flatulence, feeling full, nausea and vomiting and heartburn. Most symptoms will usually occurring shortly after eating or drinking.
Treatment: Diet and lifestyle changes- identifying triggers such as caffeine or certain foods and avoiding, stopping smoking, reducing alcohol consumption.
Antacids- work by neutralising stomach acid, they have a quick onset but effects only last a short while, always take after food. Caution they contain a high salt content and can bind other medicines- separate by 2 hours. Do not use for more than two weeks without speaking to your Doctor.
Alginates- form a raft at the top of the stomach- over the food we eat and prevent it from flowing back up the oesophagus causing heartburn. Usually fast acting and should be taken after meals and before bed.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI’s)- block acid production by the stomach. Best taken in the morning one hour before food- take 2-4 days to take effect, they are a short term solution and should be discontinued once symptoms improve. Max 2 weeks for Esomeprazole and max 4 weeks for Omeprazole before seeing the Doctor. PPI’s can interact with other medications so always ask your Pharmacist before you take these medicines.
When to see your Doctor: Loss of weight, anorexia, recent onset of symptoms that are progressively getting worse, difficulty swallowing, blood in vomit or stools, severe pain that wakes you during the night, pain radiating to another area of the body such as the arm, shoulder or neck, using PPI medication for longer than recommended duration, age over 45 years and experiencing indigestion for the first time, vomiting, iron deficiency anaemia, if you are already taking multiple medications.
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