What Is Indigestion

Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, is a common condition that affects many people in their daily lives. It refers to a group of symptoms caused by gastrointestinal disorders or other systemic diseases. These symptoms often include upper abdominal pain, typically characterized by a feeling of bloating or pressure, as well as burning sensations, belching, bloating, and early satiety.

There are two main classifications of indigestion:

1. Organic Dyspepsia: This type occurs when symptoms are caused by a specific underlying disease such as peptic ulcer disease, stomach tumors, chronic gallbladder inflammation, chronic pancreatitis, or certain systemic conditions like autoimmune disorders.

2. Functional Dyspepsia: This diagnosis is made after ruling out any structural or biochemical causes through medical testing. Patients with functional dyspepsia experience persistent symptoms without any identifiable physical cause in the digestive tract.

If someone experiences ongoing upper abdominal discomfort, belching, bloating, or feels full quickly during meals, indigestion should be considered as a potential cause. It is recommended to undergo diagnostic tests such as gastroscopy, colonoscopy, and abdominal ultrasound to exclude organic diseases. Once structural problems are ruled out, a diagnosis of functional dyspepsia may be made.