What is Indigestion and Acid Reflux?

Everyone has symptoms of indigestion or acid reflux at some point in their lives. Sometimes it's referred to as heartburn, but indigestion is simply a discomfort in the upper stomach and esophagus areas. Sometimes this discomfort includes bringing up acids from the stomach, and other times it simply releases air in the form of belching.

Most people use over-the-counter antacid medications like Rolaids or Tums to treat simple heartburn and indigestion. For more severe problems there are also prescription medications and additional medical treatments which can be used.

Indigestion is primarily an uncomfortable feeling in the upper part of your abdomen or chest. Two primary causes of indigestion are eating too quickly or eating too much food at once. In some cases so indigestion can also be caused by eating foods which have too much fatty acid. Drinking too much alcohol however, as well as too many drinks with caffeine in them, were smoking cigarettes can all contribute to indigestion as well. In rare cases indigestion can actually be caused by stomach cancer to, but this is not usually seen in people under the age of 40. The same symptoms of indigestion can be caused by a variety of other health problems to such as obesity, stomach ulcers, and gallstones.

Acid reflux is a more severe form of indigestion and it can indicate additional health problems. Acid reflux normally involves the acidic juices from your stomach traveling back through your esophagus common symptoms of acid reflux are similar to indigestion with some minor differences. If you have a burning sensation rises from your stomach area into your throat for sample, or you frequently bring food back to stomach into your mouth these can be symptoms of acid reflux. Some people will also have problems swallowing properly, or they may experience chest pain and hoarseness. Others may have problems with asthma because the acidic stomach juices can interfere with the air passages of the lungs when they are traveling from the stomach back into the throat and mouth.

People who have frequent acid reflux problems may have a health condition known as esophageal reflux disease (GERD). Instead of digesting food normally in the stomach, people with GERD only partially digest their food, and this causes the contents of the stomach to travel backwards into the esophagus, which often causes inflammation and additional damage.

Many different things can contribute to having chronic acid reflux problems. Like indigestion, acid reflux is often caused by the types of food you eat, and other lifestyle habits you have. Eating a diet high in fatty foods, eating too much chocolate or caffeine, and drinking too much alcohol can all cause acid reflux. Obesity and even pregnancy can contribute to acid reflux as well because these increased the pressure in the body's abdomen area which pushes the contents of your stomach back into your throat. Acid reflux is more likely to happen when your stomach is full, particularly if your stomach is over full and you lie down.

Both indigestion and acid reflux can be easily control and relieve a simple changes to your diet and lifestyle. Occasionally prescription medications may need to be used, but there are many natural remedies which work quite well also.