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What is Severe Indigestion |
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Monday, 30 April 2007 |
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Indigestion or severe indigestion caused by excess intestinal gas. Intestinal gas is a byproduct of the large intestine attempting to digest the food you have eaten. When bacteria in the large intestine breaks down, or digests, something that is hard to digest, the by product is excess intestinal gas. Nearly a third of all Americans suffer from indigestion, nearly 10% of sufferers experience this every day. For a few people, a teaspoon of soda in a glass of water takes care of the indigestion. Others may need to take an over-the-counter antacid tablet, liquid or soft chew to alleviate indigestion. If you experience severe indigestion more than once a week, you should consult a physician.
Are you having a great deal of pain in your chest area? Is it a burning sensation behind the breastbone and in the back of your throat? What you think is severe indigestion may be a much more serious condition called GERD. GERD or Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease, can become very painful after eating spicy foods, laying down to take a nap, or when you go to bed. Remember, this is not severe indigestion. A person suffering with GERD will experience a phenomenon where acid and pepsin rise from the stomach into the esophagus. Many pregnant women experience GERD. Many times the pain is so severe people have thought they were having a heart attack. Prescription drugs are available to combat GERD, ask your physician. The term severe indigestion is not as clear-cut as it once was. There has been much research done on indigestion. The biggest cause of severe indigestion is eating foods that are hard to digest. Cooked meats, cabbage, beans, cauliflower, and dairy products are very hard to digest. To prevent severe indigestion you may want to take a walk after eating as exercise aids digestion. |
