INDIGESTION – GENERAL INFORMATION

In the condition known as hiatus hernia, there is reflux of the acid contents of the stomach up into the lower part of the gullet and this may produce indigestion.

If this symptom of indigestion is of recent onset then it may be safely treated without further investigation. If it is severe or persistent or recurrent, then it is necessary to investigate the person further to determine if a condition such as an ulcer is present.

Usually an X-ray is necessary and the stomach can be outlined in the procedure known as barium meal X-ray where a radio opaque salt of barium outlines the hollow organ of the stomach and can reveal abnormalities in its structure.

Sometimes, to differentiate the symptoms from the stomach or gallbladder, it is necessary to carry out an X-ray procedure on the gallbladder. Here a radio opaque dye containing an iodine salt is taken. This substance passes through the liver into the bile and so outlines the gallbladder.

There are available many proprietary preparations which patients can obtain directly from the chemist without a doctor’s prescription … all designed to relieve indigestion. These usually work well.

As well, attention to the diet is helpful. The taking of small meals frequently rather than large meals infrequently so that there is always some food in the stomach to neutralise the acid is most helpful.

Antacid mixtures, tablets or powders all can give relief.

Prevention, of course, is usually better than cure and if one is certain of the cause of indigestion, such as over-indulgence, then a little more prudence next time may prevent the development of this disorder.

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