Indigestion

Indigestion, stomach pains, bloating, nausea and discomfort arise from problems within the stomach and gullet (oesophagus).

Digestion takes place in the stomach where the stomach lining produces hydrochloric acid. The acid in the stomach has a pH of  around 4 - 5 (compared to the slightly alkaline pH of 7.2 - 7.4 of the tissue in the rest of the body). Normally the stomach wall is well protected against the effects of the acid. However alcohol, excessive coffee, smoking, chemicals from processed food, poor eating habits, such as swallowing unchewed food and eating too much, spices from curries, all break down the stomach's protection. The acid then attacks the stomach wall, which causes gastritis and pain from indigestion.

Infection in the stomach, with a bacteria known as helico pylori, also breaks down the stomach wall protection. Helico bacteria infection can be diagnosed with a home test kit, **** (( LINK TO PRODUCTS)  by a blood test from your local GP, or a 'breath test' at the local hospital.

Excessive stress causes the stomach to release excessive acid and this too damage the protective layer in the stomach wall.

Persistent gastritis or indigestion may lead to the development of an ulcer which can only be diagnosed by endoscopy or a barium meal. If someone over the age of 45, develops symptoms for the first time then they should talk to their doctor about having an endoscopy or barium meal if their symptoms cannot be easily explained in terms of their lifestyle or fail to settle with basic treatment.

Treatment

Antacids such as Rennies or Gaviscon can give immediate relief by neutralising the acid in the stomach. Cimetidine or ranitidine will prevent the stomach secreting acid whilst more powerful anti acid drugs such as stop acid production almost completely and will give the stomach lining a chance to heal.

A combination of antibiotics and anti-acid drugs will get rid of Helico Pylori bacteria from the stomach.

The most important point is to determine the reason for indigestion and to correct the cause of the symptoms rather than just treat the symptoms and cover up the cause. 

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