Indigestion
Alternative names:
dyspepsia; uncomfortable fullness after meals
Home care:
Allow time for leisurely meals. Chew food carefully and thoroughly. Avoid conflicts during meals. Avoid excitement or exercise immediately after a meal. Avoid chewing gum (it may cause air swallowing). A calm environment and rest may help relieve stress-related dyspepsia.
Avoid aspirin and NSAIDs (use acetaminophen instead). Antacids may relieve indigestion. Avoid drugs that can cause dyspepsia. Follow prescribed therapy.
Call your health care provider if:
What to expect at your health care provider's office:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.
Medical history questions documenting indigestion in detail may include: - aggravating factors
- Does it begin (or is it worse) after eating particular foods?
- Does it begin (or is it worse) after drinking wine or other alcoholic drinks or carbonated drinks?
- eating habits
- Do you eat fast?
- Have you been overeating?
- Have you changed your diet? Particularly, have you had any spicy foods, high-fiber foods, or fatty foods? Have you increased your intake of caffeine?
- medications
- What medications are you taking?
- Have you changed medications recently?
- other symptoms
The physical examination will probably include emphasis on the abdominal region and digestive system.
Diagnostic tests that may be performed include: After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to indigestion to your personal medical record.
|
