What Is Acute Indigestion?
Acute indigestion refers to a sudden onset of digestive discomfort, often accompanied by multiple symptoms. It is more than just an upset stomach—it can manifest in various ways depending on the individual. While indigestion may be a temporary condition, severe or persistent pain could indicate an underlying issue such as gastritis or ulcers. If symptoms become intense, seeking medical attention is advisable.
Common Symptoms of Acute Indigestion
The symptoms of acute indigestion can vary from person to person. Below are 13 common symptoms associated with indigestion:
- Abdominal pain
- Heartburn
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
- Chest discomfort or tightness
- Throat irritation or lump sensation
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid heartbeat (palpitations)
- Fever
- Cold sweats
- Loss of appetite
Since different causes can trigger indigestion, not everyone will experience all of these symptoms. For instance, if indigestion is accompanied by diarrhea, bacterial or viral infection from contaminated food may be the cause. If there is a burning sensation in the chest, acid reflux could be responsible.
Causes of Acute Indigestion
Several factors can lead to acute indigestion, including:
- Gastrointestinal Disorders: Conditions such as gastritis, ulcers, Helicobacter pylori infection, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and duodenal ulcers can cause acute indigestion.
- Functional Dyspepsia: If medical tests reveal no specific abnormality, the condition is often diagnosed as functional dyspepsia, where stress and heightened gut sensitivity lead to frequent digestive discomfort.
- Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits: Poor dietary habits such as overeating, eating too quickly, lying down immediately after eating, and consuming overly spicy or fatty foods can contribute to indigestion.
- Infections: Exposure to foodborne bacteria and viruses can trigger digestive issues, leading to nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Medication Side Effects: Certain drugs, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antibiotics, and steroids, can irritate the stomach lining and lead to indigestion.
- Poor Hydration: Not drinking enough water can slow digestion and contribute to bloating and discomfort.
- Food Intolerances: Some individuals may experience indigestion due to lactose intolerance or sensitivity to gluten.
Treatment for Acute Indigestion
If symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, or vomiting occur, it is crucial to stop physical activity and rest. Keeping the body warm and drinking lukewarm water instead of cold beverages can also help alleviate symptoms.
- Gentle Abdominal Massage: Lightly massaging the stomach can improve circulation and help relieve discomfort.
- Herbal Remedies: Plum tea, ginger tea, and warm peppermint tea may aid digestion and soothe discomfort. These should be consumed warm rather than cold.
- Acupressure Therapy: Applying pressure to the Hegu (LI4) acupoint, located between the thumb and index finger, may help ease indigestion symptoms.
- Probiotics: Taking probiotic supplements or consuming fermented foods such as yogurt and kimchi may help restore gut balance and improve digestion.
- Proper Hydration: Drinking sufficient water can help with digestion and prevent dehydration, especially if symptoms include diarrhea or vomiting.
- Small, Frequent Meals: Eating smaller portions more frequently rather than large meals can help prevent indigestion.
If symptoms persist despite home remedies, medical intervention is recommended. Chronic indigestion or frequent nausea, dizziness, and diarrhea should be evaluated by a gastroenterologist to rule out underlying conditions like gastritis or GERD. If a bacterial infection is present, doctors may prescribe antibiotics, while acid reflux-related issues are often managed with proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers.
Post-Treatment Care
Even after medical treatment, symptoms such as diarrhea and fever may persist for some time. During this period, resting adequately and maintaining a gentle diet (such as porridge or soft foods) can support recovery. Avoiding spicy, fatty, or heavily processed foods is also advised.
Preventing Acute Indigestion
To reduce the likelihood of experiencing indigestion, consider adopting the following habits:
- Engage in Light Exercise: Walking after meals can enhance digestion and help regulate blood sugar levels, which is beneficial for preventing diabetes.
- Maintain Healthy Eating Habits: Eating at a moderate pace, avoiding overeating, and choosing balanced meals can support digestive health.
- Manage Stress: Chronic stress can exacerbate digestive issues, so finding ways to relax—such as meditation or deep breathing exercises—can be beneficial.
- Avoid Common Triggers: Limiting alcohol, caffeine, and overly processed foods can help minimize indigestion episodes.
- Chew Food Thoroughly: Taking the time to chew food properly can reduce the burden on the stomach and aid digestion.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking adequate water throughout the day aids digestion and prevents bloating and discomfort.
- Avoid Eating Late at Night: Eating too close to bedtime can increase the risk of indigestion and acid reflux.