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Indigestion
What Is Indigestion?
Indigestion (say: in-dih-jest-shun) is just
another name for an upset stomach. (It’s also
called dyspepsia (say: dis-pep-see-ah.) Indigestion usually happens
when people eat too much, too fast, or foods that don’t “agree” with
them. Heartburn is a burning feeling that travels from a person’s
chest up to the neck and throat. It’s caused by stomach acid, which
isn’t a problem unless it gets out of your stomach.
With heartburn, stomach acid splashes up and irritates the
esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach.
Also called acid indigestion, this usually leaves a sour or bitter
taste in the person’s mouth.
Indigestion and heartburn are common problems for both kids and
grownups. That’s why you see all those commercials for heartburn and
indigestion medicines on TV! But don’t take any medicine for
indigestion unless your parents or doctor says it’s OK. Most of the
ones that are advertised on TV are meant for adults, not kids.
Stress, not enough sleep, smoking, or drinking alcohol also can make
indigestion worse.
Digestive problems, such as ulcers, can cause the symptoms of
indigestion and heartburn, too. But they’re not common in kids.
Do I Have It?
In addition to heartburn, if you have indigestion, you’ll probably
have one or more of the following symptoms:
· pain or burning in your upper belly - usually in the middle
· nausea (feeling sick to your stomach)
· bloating (that too-full feeling where your stomach sticks out)
· burping that you have a hard time controlling
When to Go to the Doctor?
Usually, indigestion only happens once in a while, like after eating
much.
But you’ll want to see the doctor if you get indigestion even when
you’re eating healthy foods, exercising, and getting enough sleep.
You may need to be examined, have stomach X-rays or other tests to
make sure your indigestion is not the sign of another problem in
your digestive tract. Depending on what the doctor finds, you might
need to make changes in your diet or take medicine.
Be sure to tell your parent right way if you:
· throw up (or vomit), especially if you ever see blood in your
throw up
· think you’re losing weight
· have no appetite for more than a day
· ever feel short of breath
· sweat for no reason
· have belly pain that won’t go away or feels really bad
· have poop (bowel movements) that look black or sticky or you see
blood in the toilet or on the toilet paper after you wipe
Indigestion Prevention
Some people can eat anything and they never get upset stomachs. But
other people are more sensitive to food and they might find certain
ones just don’t agree with them. If you discover one of these foods,
it’s best not to eat a lot of them or skip them entirely.
In addition to avoiding problem foods, it’s a good idea to eat
several smaller meals instead of a couple really big ones. Here are
some other tips to prevent indigestion:
· As much as possible, avoid fatty, greasy foods, like fries and
burgers.
· Avoid too much chocolate.
· Eat slowly.
· Don’t smoke - or don’t start smoking!
· Find ways to relax and decrease stress.
· Give your body a chance to digest food. Don’t eat a huge meal and
immediately go to sports practice. Try to eat at least an hour
beforehand, or eat afterward.
You might do all these things, but still get indigestion once in a
while. If you do, just remember to say “excuse me” if it makes you
burp!
Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
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