| If you think that painful indigestion and | | | | moderate discomfort, should see a doctor to |
| heartburn are the same thing, then you are | | | | make sure it isn't a more serious problem. |
| wrong, but not alone. In fact the two are not | | | | |
| the same at all, and require different | | | | If you experience indigestion for the first |
| treatment and attention. The following is a | | | | time over the age of 45 this is somewhat |
| basic overview. | | | | unusual, and may require the consultation of |
| | | | a medical professional. If you have lost |
| Understanding The Differences | | | | significant weight unexpectedly, this also |
| | | | may require a visit to the doctor. If you are |
| While heartburn and painful indigestion are | | | | coughing up fluid (especially blood) then it |
| related, they are not the same. The truth is | | | | is best to see a doctor immediately. |
| that heartburn is merely one symptom of the | | | | |
| larger problem known as indigestion. Having | | | | Continue reading to discover preventative |
| indigestion, then, does not necessarily mean | | | | tips for reducing heartburn and indigestion |
| you have heartburn. It does not exclude you | | | | and to sign up for the free acid reflux, |
| from having heartburn, but often indigestion | | | | heartburn and GERD newsletter below. |
| appears without this specific symptom. | | | | |
| | | | Preventative Action |
| The first thing we need to do is figure out | | | | |
| exactly what indigestion is. Indigestion can | | | | Here are some simple rules to help reduce or |
| be hard to describe, but generally is viewed | | | | eliminate heartburn: |
| as discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen or | | | | |
| chest. Nausea, bloating, and flatulence are | | | | - Eat Less - it is a good idea to eat less, |
| some common symptoms that are associated with | | | | though this doesn't mean you have to starve |
| indigestion. | | | | yourself. But when you start to feel full, |
| | | | just stop eating. If you have to eat more |
| What are the Causes? | | | | often as a result, so be it. |
| | | | |
| So just what causes painful indigestion and | | | | - Eat Slower - don't rush your food, as this |
| heartburn? Heartburn, for starters, can be | | | | is a good way to trigger indigestion. Take |
| caused by eating too much too fast. Other | | | | your time while you're eating, and pause |
| causes of heartburn include eating fatty or | | | | between bites, sipping water as needed. |
| spicy foods and drinking alcohol. | | | | |
| | | | - Avoid Certain Foods - avoid the foods that |
| Since heartburn is a symptom of indigestion, | | | | naturally bring about acid reflux or |
| all of the previously mentioned causes can be | | | | heartburn. Lists of these foods can be |
| associated with indigestion as well. | | | | readily obtained by doing a simple web |
| Additionally, gastritis, smoking, ulcers of | | | | search. So find the list, and cut these foods |
| the duodenum, gastric ulcers, antibiotics, | | | | out. |
| and anti-inflammatory drugs can all act as | | | | |
| triggers for causing painful indigestion. | | | | - Don't Smoke or Drink - it is best to avoid |
| | | | smoking and drinking alcohol when possible. |
| What are the Symptoms? | | | | Both are triggers for indigestion. |
| | | | |
| Heartburn is one symptom of indigestion. | | | | Just because heartburn and painful |
| Heartburn can be described as a persistent | | | | indigestion are common problems, doesn't mean |
| burning feeling in the chest. Some other | | | | you have to live with them. Follow the simple |
| associated symptoms are nausea, flatulence, | | | | tips above, and you can be well on your way |
| and the loss of appetite. Anyone who is | | | | to eliminating the problem. |
| experiencing painful indigestion, rather than | | | | |