Sandy Crest Medical Centre - Health Tips
Indigestion and Acid Reflux of the
Stomach
During the festive season individuals are more likely to have a
heavier intake of food and drink which may subsequently affect the
gastrointestinal tract.
Acid reflux occurs when acid from the stomach
leaks up into the oesophagus (swallow pipe). This may cause symptoms
such as pain in the upper abdomen and chest, feeling sick, vomiting,
an acid taste in the mouth, bloating and belching. A variety of
these or related symptoms are loosely described as indigestion.
Most people have a bout of indigestion, from
time to time, for example, after a large spicy meal. In most cases
it soon goes away and is of little concern, but frequent recurring
bouts of indigestion may be due to more serious conditions of the
gut.
Treatment depends on the severity and
persistence of the symptoms and the likely cause suspected from
medical examination and assessment. Measures such as avoiding
certain foods, reducing alcohol intake, avoiding heavy meals at
bedtime and a trial of acid suppression medication may be helpful.
More severe or persistent symptoms may require further medical
investigation.
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