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#*Stomach ulcers
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#*Stomach ulcers
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#*Cancer of the stomach
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#*Cancer of the stomach
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#Cut back or switch medications. Sometimes, chronic indigestion is a side effect of long-term medication use, particularly with NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), which include aspirin, naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprelan, Naprosyn), and ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), among others.
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#Cut back or switch medications. Sometimes, chronic indigestion is a side effect of long-term medication use, particularly with NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), which include aspirin, naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprelan, Naprosyn), and ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), among others.[[Image:Help Chronic Indigestion Step 3 Version 2.jpg|center]]
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#* NSAIDs can cause intestinal problems and discomfort. For this reason, long-term use of these medications is not recommended.<ref>http://bit.ly/2Ydchna>
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#* NSAIDs can cause intestinal problems and discomfort. For this reason, long-term use of these medications is not recommended.<ref>http://bit.ly/2Ydchna>
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#* Iron supplements are also known to be hard on the digestive system and can cause acid reflux, constipation, and an upset stomach.<ref>http://bit.ly/2H9sNir;
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#* Iron supplements are also known to be hard on the digestive system and can cause acid reflux, constipation, and an upset stomach.<ref>http://bit.ly/2H9sNir;
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#*The best treatment strongly depends upon the particular symptoms of discomfort experienced by the patient; however dietary changes are often effective in alleviating symptoms.
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#*The best treatment strongly depends upon the particular symptoms of discomfort experienced by the patient; however dietary changes are often effective in alleviating symptoms.
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#Seek medical treatment for chronic indigestion cause by GERD. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is caused by a persistent, abnormal leakage of the stomach acids back up into the esophagus. The associated indigestion may be treated using medications (see Part 3), lifestyle changes (see Part 2) or even surgery, depending on the severity of the illness.[[Image:Help Chronic Indigestion Step 6 Version 2.jpg|center]]
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#Seek medical treatment for chronic indigestion cause by GERD. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is caused by a persistent, abnormal leakage of the stomach acids back up into the esophagus. The associated indigestion may be treated using medications (see Part 3), lifestyle changes (see Part 2) or even surgery, depending on the severity of the illness.[[Image:Help Chronic Indigestion Step 6 Version 2.jpg|center]]
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#* It is important to consult your physician if you suspect you may have GERD. If left untreated, GERD can, in the long-term, increase your risk of developing permanent damage and cancer in the esophagus.
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#* It is important to consult your physician if you suspect you may have GERD. If left untreated, GERD can, in the long-term, increase your risk of developing permanent damage and cancer in the esophagus.
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#Take specific medications to relieve indigestion caused by gastroparesis. Gastroparesis is a condition in which the stomach cannot empty properly as a result of nerve damage. It is sometimes associated with diabetes.[[Image:Help Chronic Indigestion Step 7 Version 2.jpg|center]]
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#Take specific medications to relieve indigestion caused by gastroparesis. Gastroparesis is a condition in which the stomach cannot empty properly as a result of nerve damage. It is sometimes associated with diabetes.[[Image:Help Chronic Indigestion Step 7 Version 2.jpg|center]]
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#*There is no satisfactory treatment for this condition but metoclopramide, a dopamine antagonist, helps to contract the stomach thus preventing associated symptoms such as indigestion. In this case, you will need to consult a specialist recommended by your physician.
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#*There is no satisfactory treatment for this condition but metoclopramide, a dopamine antagonist, helps to contract the stomach thus preventing associated symptoms such as indigestion. In this case, you will need to consult a specialist recommended by your physician.
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#Change your portion sizes and meal times. Eating large meals requires further peristalsis or synchronized movements of the digestive tract in order to digest the food. This can further aggravate the irritation in the intestinal lining. Instead, aim to eat six small frequent meals per day: three major meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and three snacks in between. In addition, make an effort to stop eating about two to three hours before you go to bed.[[Image:Help Chronic Indigestion Step 9 Version 2.jpg|center]]
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#Change your portion sizes and meal times. Eating large meals requires further peristalsis or synchronized movements of the digestive tract in order to digest the food. This can further aggravate the irritation in the intestinal lining. Instead, aim to eat six small frequent meals per day: three major meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and three snacks in between. In addition, make an effort to stop eating about two to three hours before you go to bed.[[Image:Help Chronic Indigestion Step 9 Version 2.jpg|center]]
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#* Try eating a half-size portion of what you would normally eat at breakfast, lunch, dinner. As a general rule (and one that holds even if you don't suffer from regular indigestion), you should feel satisfied, but not stuffed, after eating.
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#* Try eating a half-size portion of what you would normally eat at breakfast, lunch, dinner. As a general rule (and one that holds even if you don't suffer from regular indigestion), you should feel satisfied, but not stuffed, after eating.
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#Avoid food and drinks that can trigger indigestion. A number of foods can irritate the intestines and stomach. Spicy, fatty, and acidic foods are all common culprits and should be cut back on or removed entirely from your diet if you suspect you have digestive pain.
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#Avoid food and drinks that can trigger indigestion. A number of foods can irritate the intestines and stomach. Spicy, fatty, and acidic foods are all common culprits and should be cut back on or removed entirely from your diet if you suspect you have digestive pain.[[Image:Help Chronic Indigestion Step 10 Version 2.jpg|center]]
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#* Avoid fatty foods, like fried food, soft cheese, nuts, red meat, and avocados.
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#* Avoid fatty foods, like fried food, soft cheese, nuts, red meat, and avocados.
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#* Avoid spicy food like curries and other sauces with heat to them.
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#* Avoid spicy food like curries and other sauces with heat to them.
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#Cut back on alcohol and caffeine. Alcohol and caffeine can trigger indigestion, and particularly heartburn, because it opens the esophageal sphincter and thus permits the stomach acid to leak back up.<ref>http://bit.ly/2H8a6f6> Although you may not notice a problem with an individual drink, the effect can be compounded if for example you pair that drink with problem foods on a regular basis (e.g., if you have coffee in the morning, a glass of wine with tomato soup at dinner, and then an orange later).<ref>https://wb.md/2YkH4Ph Chronic Indigestion Step 14 Version 2.jpg|center]]
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#Cut back on alcohol and caffeine. Alcohol and caffeine can trigger indigestion, and particularly heartburn, because it opens the esophageal sphincter and thus permits the stomach acid to leak back up.<ref>http://bit.ly/2H8a6f6> Although you may not notice a problem with an individual drink, the effect can be compounded if for example you pair that drink with problem foods on a regular basis (e.g., if you have coffee in the morning, a glass of wine with tomato soup at dinner, and then an orange later).<ref>https://wb.md/2YkH4Ph Chronic Indigestion Step 14 Version 2.jpg|center]]
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#* Coffee, tea, and soda and other drinks that contain caffeine should also be avoided. You don't have to totally give them up, but you should cut back. Aim for 1-2 small cups (3-4 oz) of coffee a day.<ref>https://wb.md/2H8a86I>
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#* Coffee, tea, and soda and other drinks that contain caffeine should also be avoided. You don't have to totally give them up, but you should cut back. Aim for 1-2 small cups (3-4 oz) of coffee a day.<ref>https://wb.md/2H8a86I>
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#[[Lose Weight|Lose weight]]. If you are overweight or obese, you are more likely to suffer from indigestion because of the added pressure in your abdomen. Make a concerted ever to lose weight and see if your indigestion is alleviated.
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#[[Lose Weight|Lose weight]]. If you are overweight or obese, you are more likely to suffer from indigestion because of the added pressure in your abdomen. Make a concerted ever to lose weight and see if your indigestion is alleviated.[[Image:Help Chronic Indigestion Step 15 Version 2.jpg|center]]
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#* Try to [[Eat-Healthy|eat healthy]] and regularly. Incorporate more fruits and vegetables and whole grains into your diet. Make sure to limit foods with high acidic content until your symptoms are alleviated.
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#* Try to [[Eat-Healthy|eat healthy]] and regularly. Incorporate more fruits and vegetables and whole grains into your diet. Make sure to limit foods with high acidic content until your symptoms are alleviated.
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#* Get regular [[Exercise|exercise]]. Try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate to intense activity at least three times a week. It's also a good idea to incorporate strength training into your workouts in order to convert fat into muscle.
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#* Get regular [[Exercise|exercise]]. Try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate to intense activity at least three times a week. It's also a good idea to incorporate strength training into your workouts in order to convert fat into muscle.
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#Take proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Proton pump inhibitors work by blocking a chemical system called the hydrogen-potassium adenosine triphosphatase enzyme system, which produces stomach acids. If the level of stomach acid is low, then the abdominal pain in chronic indigestion can be minimized.<ref>http://www.patient.info/health/proton-pump-inhibitors</ref>[[Image:Help Chronic Indigestion Step 18 Version 2.jpg|center]]
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#Take proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Proton pump inhibitors work by blocking a chemical system called the hydrogen-potassium adenosine triphosphatase enzyme system, which produces stomach acids. If the level of stomach acid is low, then the abdominal pain in chronic indigestion can be minimized.<ref>http://www.patient.info/health/proton-pump-inhibitors</ref>[[Image:Help Chronic Indigestion Step 18 Version 2.jpg|center]]
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#* Physicians recommend PPIs when acid blockers don't provide lasting relief or when you have problems in the esophagus thanks to GERD.
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#* Physicians recommend PPIs when acid blockers don't provide lasting relief or when you have problems in the esophagus thanks to GERD.
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#* One PPI called Prilosec is available OTC, whereas others, including Aciphex, Nexium, Prevacid, Protonix, and stronger Prilosec, require prescription.
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#* One PPI called Prilosec is available OTC, whereas others, including Aciphex, Nexium, Prevacid, Protonix, and stronger Prilosec, require prescription.
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#Take an alginate. Alginates, such as the OTC brand Gaviscon, create a foam barrier that floats on top of the contents of your stomach and keeps your stomach acids from pushing back up to the esophagus. Because they create that barrier between the stomach acid and the esophagus, alginates are especially good at providing relief from acid reflux and heartburn.<ref>http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/indigestion-heartburn-pregnant.aspx#Treatment</ref>[[Image:Help Chronic Indigestion Step 19 Version 2.jpg|center]]
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#Take an alginate. Alginates, such as the OTC brand Gaviscon, create a foam barrier that floats on top of the contents of your stomach and keeps your stomach acids from pushing back up to the esophagus. Because they create that barrier between the stomach acid and the esophagus, alginates are especially good at providing relief from acid reflux and heartburn.<ref>http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/indigestion-heartburn-pregnant.aspx#Treatment</ref>[[Image:Help Chronic Indigestion Step 19 Version 2.jpg|center]]
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#* Alginates work faster than H2 blockers and last longer than antacids. They come in both liquid and tablet form, so you should use whatever you prefer.
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#* Alginates work faster than H2 blockers and last longer than antacids. They come in both liquid and tablet form, so you should use whatever you prefer.
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=== Understanding Diagnostic Procedures ===
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=== Understanding Diagnostic Procedures ===
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#Call your doctor. If you think you are suffering from chronic indigestion, you should seek treatment in order to get relief. The American Gastroenterological Association recommends that you consult your physician if you experience any or a combination of the following symptoms:
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#Call your doctor. If you think you are suffering from chronic indigestion, you should seek treatment in order to get relief. The American Gastroenterological Association recommends that you consult your physician if you experience any or a combination of the following symptoms:[[Image:Help Chronic Indigestion Step 22 Version 2.jpg|center]]
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#* You experience indigestion three or more times every week.
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#* You experience indigestion three or more times every week.
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#* You've suffered from regular indigestion for four or more years.
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#* You've suffered from regular indigestion for four or more years.
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#Get your blood tested. Your doctor will probably want to get a blood sample from you in order to help determine the underlying cause of your indigestion. Common blood tests that are ordered to help diagnoses digestive disorders include a CBC (Complete Blood Count, which measures red and white blood cells as well blood platelets and an ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) or CRP (C-Reactive Protein), which assess the level of inflammation in the body. Blood tests can be used to diagnose and monitor diseases such as IBS, H. pylori, Celiac disease, and Crohn's Disease, among many others.[[Image:Help Chronic Indigestion Step 23 Version 2.jpg|center]]
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#Get your blood tested. Your doctor will probably want to get a blood sample from you in order to help determine the underlying cause of your indigestion. Common blood tests that are ordered to help diagnoses digestive disorders include a CBC (Complete Blood Count, which measures red and white blood cells as well blood platelets and an ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) or CRP (C-Reactive Protein), which assess the level of inflammation in the body. Blood tests can be used to diagnose and monitor diseases such as IBS, H. pylori, Celiac disease, and Crohn's Disease, among many others.[[Image:Help Chronic Indigestion Step 23 Version 2.jpg|center]]
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#* A blood sample is drawn from the patient’s vein through a sterile needle and syringe. The sample is put in a sterile container and will be examined in a medical laboratory.
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#* A blood sample is drawn from the patient’s vein through a sterile needle and syringe. The sample is put in a sterile container and will be examined in a medical laboratory.
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#Go for an endoscopy. In some cases, particularly in those where the complaints of indigestion are persistent, your doctor may refer you to a gastroenterologist, a specialist in the area of the gastrointestinal tract and liver. The specialist may opt to conduct an endoscopy, a procedure that enables him to look inside your esophagus to see whether the underlying cause is acid reflux that is damaging the lining of your esophagus.
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#Go for an endoscopy. In some cases, particularly in those where the complaints of indigestion are persistent, your doctor may refer you to a gastroenterologist, a specialist in the area of the gastrointestinal tract and liver. The specialist may opt to conduct an endoscopy, a procedure that enables him to look inside your esophagus to see whether the underlying cause is acid reflux that is damaging the lining of your esophagus.[[Image:Help Chronic Indigestion Step 24 Version 2.jpg|center]]
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#* In an endoscopy, a medical instrument is inserted into the colon and is guided by a small camera with a lighted tube at its end. This procedure can be performed in one of two ways: colonoscopy or upper endoscopy.
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#* In an endoscopy, a medical instrument is inserted into the colon and is guided by a small camera with a lighted tube at its end. This procedure can be performed in one of two ways: colonoscopy or upper endoscopy.
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#* A colonoscopy utilizes a flexible tube that is gently inserted into the opening of the anus, allowing direct visualization and examination of the colon (the large intestine) and the terminal ileum, the final section of the small intestine.<ref>https://wb.md/2H7VAUL>
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#* A colonoscopy utilizes a flexible tube that is gently inserted into the opening of the anus, allowing direct visualization and examination of the colon (the large intestine) and the terminal ileum, the final section of the small intestine.<ref>https://wb.md/2H7VAUL>
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