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Indigestion Pain Relief

Indigestion, or dyspepsia, is a condition that can cause discomfort within your abdomen. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, indigestion is such a common occurrence that it causes nearly 70 percent of all gastrointestinal issues, and women are more likely to suffer from the condition. Indigestion causes a host of symptoms, including bloating, nausea, heartburn or belching. Thankfully, there are ways to help alleviate discomfort.

  1. Antacids

    • Antacids help to relieve symptoms of acid indigestion, heartburn, upset stomach,and other symptoms associated with indigestion. Antacids help to neutralize your stomach acid. Such medications can include Rolaids, Alka-Seltzer, Tums, Mylanta or Maalox. According to the Mayo Clinic, physicians usually recommend an antacid treatment first. Antacids can cause side effects such as constipation or diarrhea.

    H2RAs

    • H2RAs are H2-receptor antagonists. These types of medication help to block histamine responses within the stomach, thereby reducing the production of stomach acid. H2RAs do not work as quickly as antacids, however they do last longer. Such medications include Pepcid and Zantac. These types of medications also have side effects such as diarrhea, constipation, headaches, nausea and vomiting, and bruising.

    PPIs

    • Proton pump inhibitors also reduce stomach acids, yet they are stronger than H2-receptor antagonists. These types of medication are usually prescribed by a physician. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, you can buy Prilosec over the counter. PPIs can also help alleviate symptoms associated with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).

    Lifestyle Changes

    • Eating smaller meals can allow your stomach to process the food better. Eating larger, heavier meals can produce more stomach acid, which can lead to indigestion. There are also triggers than can cause indigestion, such as spicy foods, soda, caffeine, cigarettes and alcohol. By avoiding or limiting these triggers, you can minimize indigestion. Also try to exercise and maintain a healthy weight limit. According to the Mayo Clinic, excess weight can apply pressure to your abdomen, which can push your stomach up. As a result, stomach acid can be flushed into your esophagus.

    Antidepressants

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, if other treatments have failed, your doctor may prescribe an antidepressant. Antidepressants can also relieve symptoms of pain. When an antidepressant is used for indigestion, the medication can lesson your discomfort and decrease your pain symptoms. Antidepressants can cause side effects such as headaches, agitation, night sweating and nausea.

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