Stomach upset

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Stomach Upset

A Stomach upset, also known as indigestion or dyspepsia, is a condition of impaired digestion. Symptoms may include upper abdominal fullness, heartburn, nausea, belching, or upper abdominal pain. It's often a sign of an underlying problem, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers, or gallbladder disease, rather than a condition of its own.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Stomach upset can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

  • Eating too quickly
  • Overeating
  • Consuming high-fat foods
  • Drinking too much alcohol
  • Consuming too much caffeine
  • Smoking
  • Anxiety
  • Certain medications, such as certain antibiotics, pain relievers and iron supplements

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Symptoms of a stomach upset can include:

  • Feeling full during a meal, even if you have not eaten much
  • Feeling uncomfortable or unusually full after eating
  • Burning in the stomach or upper abdomen
  • Abdominal pain
  • Bloating
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Belching and gas
  • Acidic taste

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for stomach upset depends on what's causing it. It may include lifestyle changes, such as changes in eating habits, and medication. In some cases, you may need to have an endoscopy or other tests.

Prevention[edit | edit source]

Prevention strategies for stomach upset include:

  • Eating smaller, more frequent meals instead of three large meals
  • Avoiding foods that can trigger indigestion
  • Staying hydrated
  • Limiting alcohol
  • Stopping smoking
  • Getting enough sleep

See also[edit | edit source]

Stomach upset Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD