Doctor's hands examining female abdomen

Indigestion

You may not think you need to see a Brooklyn gastroenterologist for indigestion, but it may be more necessary than you think. Indigestion is a term used to describe numerous symptoms that people have related to the digestive processes. This can include nausea, heartburn, bloating, and burping. In many situations, there is no significant problem and the condition will improve on its own without treatment. However, it may be more severe in some people.

One key factor to keep in mind about indigestion is that it can vary significantly from one person to the next. The way you feel and the symptoms you have are different from those of another person. Most commonly, the symptoms are related to upper abdominal discomfort or an upset stomach.

The causes of this condition vary as well. It can occur as a result of overindulging in fatty or high-sugar foods. It can occur in people who eat too much spice in their food. In some cases, eating too much, eating too fast, or consuming alcohol can bring it on. Stress has also been linked to indigestion. Again, in most cases, it will improve on its own. However, when it becomes chronic, which means it occurs frequently, it may be time to call your indigestion doctor in Brooklyn.

Indigestion itself is not a disease. However, it can be a symptom of a disease. Those may include the following:

Heartburn

Heartburn occurs when acid from the stomach that is used to break down food backs up into the esophagus. This is also called acid reflux. You may experience burning sensations in your upper abdomen from this condition. It can also cause discomfort in the area under your breastbone. Some people also feel nausea or a sour taste in their mouths.

Gastritis

In this condition, which is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach, individuals tend to have a burning pain in the stomach or the upper abdomen area. Gastritis can be brought on by overuse of pain medications that cause irritation in the stomach. It can also be brought on by overuse of alcohol. Infection from bacteria can also cause gastritis and, as a result, indigestion.

Peptic Ulcers

Peptic ulcers are types of sores that develop in the lining of the stomach. These can also occur in the upper small intestine or esophagus. The pain can range from the breastbone area into the navel. This type of ulcer is brought on by a type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori. It may also be caused by taking too much over-the-counter medication including ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirins.

Gallstones

Gallstones are also a common condition that can cause indigestion-like feelings. These are small, solid stones that are made up of cholesterol or calcium salts. They occur within the gallbladder or in the bile ducts associated with the gallbladder. Most of the time, there are no symptoms and gallstones will pass on their own. In some people, they can lead to chronic indigestion, abdominal pain, vomiting, or nausea. This is when you need a Brooklyn gallstone doctor.

Stomach Cancer

A more serious condition that can be the underlying cause of indigestion is stomach cancer. In fact, indigestion is most commonly the first symptom you may face when you have a tumor located in the stomach. This type of condition is only detected, in most cases, after blood in stool samples is found. The symptoms can worsen over time as well.

If you have any type of chronic indigestion, do not put off getting help from our Brooklyn gastroenterologist at our office in Cobble Hill or on Ocean Parkway in Brooklyn, NY. This can be a very important step to protecting your overall health in the long term.

Call Atlantic Gastroenterology

New patients: 718 521-2840 Existing patients: 718 615-4001 EndoSlim Clinic: 1-877-SIZEOFF (1-877-749-3633)