Doctors name causes of upset stomach and ways to get rid of it
In the frantic rhythm of modern life, we are not always able to eat right. Neglecting breakfast, snacking, eating on the go or overeating in the evening are definitely not good for our body and cause malfunctions. For example, we often complain about stomach upsets, which, as a rule, do not lead to serious consequences, but can significantly reduce the quality of life and performance.
Dyspepsia (as doctors call stomach upsets) can strike anyone, but if it is chronic, you should not delay with the examination. Specialists of Сleveland Clinic told about the causes and symptoms of the disorder and advised how to prevent it.
Gastric dyspepsia is a common condition manifested by painful or burning sensations in the stomach. In most cases, improvement can be achieved by changing your diet or taking medication, but sometimes prolonged dyspepsia can indicate the development of serious illness.How do I recognize dyspepsia?
Typically, an upset stomach is manifested by the following symptoms :
Nausea or vomiting;
A sour taste in the mouth;
Stomach or upper abdomen pain or burning sensation;
Bloating.Causes of upset stomach
Sometimes it is impossible to identify the cause of the gastrointestinal disorder. In this case, doctors speak of a functional disorder of the stomach. At the same time, in most cases, dyspepsia is caused by excessive consumption of alcohol or caffeine, large amounts of fatty, salty or acidic foods in the diet, being under constant stress or anxiety, taking certain medications, especially on an empty stomach.
An upset stomach can also be a symptom of another illness, such as gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, peptic ulcer, hiatal hernia, irritable bowel syndrome, etc.How to diagnose an upset stomach?
If stomach disorders recur regularly or their symptoms worsen, you should see a specialist. A preliminary diagnosis can be made based on your complaints and analysis of your symptoms, eating habits and lifestyle. Try to explain as accurately as possible how you feel and the possible triggers that cause your stomach to get worse, such as foods that cause upset.
If necessary, a specialist may prescribe a number of additional examinations to confirm the diagnosis, for example:
Laboratory blood tests to check liver, kidney, and thyroid function;
A test to see if the bacterium Helicobacter Pylori is present;
An X-ray, endoscopy, or CT scan to determine possible internal problems.How do I treat an upset stomach?
As a rule, if dyspepsia bothers a person from time to time, to improve his condition it is enough to change the diet and exclude from it excessive amounts of fatty and spicy food, alcohol, caffeine and carbonated drinks.
At the same time, if other problems in the body lead to stomach disorders, drug treatment aimed at eliminating the underlying cause may be recommended. Basic therapies include:
Antacids: agents to neutralize stomach acid;
Antibiotics: prescribed when there is a bacterial infection in the body that leads to dyspepsia;
Proton pump inhibitors: reduce stomach acidity;
H2 blockers: reduce stomach acid production and help with peptic ulcers.
In addition, you yourself can influence the work of the digestive system and prevent the occurrence of an upset stomach. To do this, balance your diet, avoid chronic stress, don't eat too much before bed, get rid of bad habits (like smoking and drinking alcohol), and be careful when taking certain medications like aspirin.
Short-lived indigestion can occur to anyone even without an obvious cause. However, if dyspepsia interferes with a full life and reduces performance, you should seek help, as well as review your daily diet and lifestyle and establish them with the maximum health benefits.
Earlier OBOZREVATEL told about the causes of inflammation of the stomach.