How Long Does Sour Stomach Last

Indigestion (Dyspepsia)

An upset stomach isn't commonly crusade for alarm. Indigestion, or dyspepsia, is adequately common. Merely pay attention to persistent indigestion that affects your quality of life. Information technology could indicate to a more serious gastrointestinal (stomach and intestines) disorder. Most of the time, though, dietary changes and medication are enough to treat indigestion.

Overview

What is indigestion?

Indigestion, or dyspepsia, describes an upset stomach. It may cause a painful or burning feeling in your abdomen (belly). Likewise chosen a sour tummy, indigestion may happen once in a while or oftentimes.

Indigestion is sometimes confused with heartburn. Heartburn, is a divide condition that affects your upper chest.

How common is indigestion?

Indigestion is a very common condition. About 25% of people in the U.Due south. experience indigestion each year.

Possible Causes

How is indigestion diagnosed?

A healthcare provider will review your medical history, symptoms and lifestyle. Endeavor to explain your indigestion in as much particular as possible. Note the type of discomfort and where you feel it. As well tell your healthcare provider when you experience indigestion. For example, does it occur after a repast or on an empty tum? Is it worse in the morning or at nighttime? Practise certain foods make information technology worse?

Your healthcare provider volition do a concrete test. They'll check your belly for swelling or tenderness. They may use a stethoscope (medical musical instrument to hear sounds inside the torso) to cheque your breadbasket for growling or gurgling.

Other diagnostic tests may include:

Blood tests, to assess your liver, kidney and thyroid function.
Jiff test, to cheque for H pylori.
Imaging exams, to check for blockages or other issues in the intestines. Imaging exams may include Ten-ray, CT browse or upper endoscopy.
Stool examination, to check poop for H. pylori or other bacterial infections.

What causes indigestion?

Indigestion is usually caused by:
Drinking as well much alcohol or caffeine.
Eating too much or as well fast.
Eating fatty, spicy or acidic foods.
Experiencing stress or anxiety.
Taking certain medications, including aspirin — especially if taken on an empty stomach.

Sometimes indigestion means in that location'southward a problem in your digestive tract. Your digestive arrangement contains organs that help your trunk break down food and absorb nutrients.

Indigestion could be a sign of:

Gastritis.
Gastroesophageal reflux illness (GERD).
Gastroparesis.
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection.
Hiatal hernia.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Peptic ulcer illness.
Stomach cancer.

Sometimes chronic (ongoing) indigestion isn't related to any of these causes. In that case, information technology's called functional indigestion.

What are the symptoms of indigestion?

Symptoms of indigestion may include:

Acidic taste in your oral cavity.
Bloating (full feeling).
Called-for or hurting in your stomach or upper belly.
Burping and gas.
Gurgling sound in your stomach.
Nausea or vomiting.

Care and Handling

How tin can indigestion be prevented?

You can reduce your hazard of indigestion by:

Avoiding alcohol.
Eating a healthy, balanced diet.
Managing your stress level.
Non eating meals before bed.
Non smoking.
Replacing aspirin with acetaminophen.

How is indigestion treated?

Most people discover relief from indigestion by making diet changes or taking medication. Your healthcare provider may recommend a combination of both.

Diet changes include:

Avoiding foods or drinks that trigger indigestion.
Cutting down on alcohol, caffeine and carbonated drinks.
Removing fatty, spicy or acidic foods from your diet.

What medications help indigestion?

Indigestion caused by another health condition might improve with medication. Common medications for relief include:

Antacids: These over-the-counter medications provide quick relief for acid reflux. They neutralize stomach acid.
Antibiotics: Antibiotics care for bacterial infections like H. pylori.
H2 blockers: These medications decrease the corporeality of acrid your stomach produces. H2 blockers may help peptic ulcers.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): PPIs subtract the acid in your stomach, merely are normally only for people with heartburn.

Will I need surgery for indigestion?

Your healthcare provider may recommend surgery if ongoing acrid reflux gives you indigestion. A procedure called laparoscopic antireflux surgery may help relieve the symptoms of GERD. Information technology'due south a minimally invasive procedure, meaning information technology doesn't demand a large incision (cut).

How long volition indigestion final?

Indigestion might go way as before long as you change your diet and habits. If yous do take medication for your upset stomach, only do so with your healthcare provider's blessing. Some medications, peculiarly acid reducers, can take long-term side effects. These may include an increased risk of infections or low levels of of import nutrients.

When to Telephone call the Doctor

When should I contact my healthcare provider about indigestion?

Contact a healthcare provider right abroad if you experience:

Black stools.
Chest pain.
Difficulty breathing.
Frequent or bloody vomiting.
Jaundice (yellowing of your eyes or skin).
Severe pain in your belly.
Unexplained weight loss.

The occasional tummy problem is normal. But frequent tummy problems can keep y'all from eating, sleeping or working. If indigestion is affecting your quality of life, it's time to see a healthcare provider. There are a diverseness of professionals who can help with breadbasket problems. They include primary care providers, dietitians, gastroenterologists and talk therapists.