Ask Dr. Kent . . .

I am having a terrible burning in my stomach, up into my chest and I feel like I have a lot of gas. I don’t have to eat very much food before I feel full. Sometimes I get nauseated and I vomit. What is wrong with me…?

You could have a condition doctors refer to as dyspepsia or indigestion. This could be caused by a number of things. Sometimes we do not know the cause.

Sometimes indigestion is caused by problems with a build up of stomach acid or problems with the stomach emptying properly. Other causes are due to taking over the counter medications for pain, like ibuprofen or aspirin. Some people can develop stomach ulcers or intestinal ulcers due to a bacteria called Helicobacter Pylori. These bacteria can cause indigestion. H pylori can be detected by a biopsy, blood test, or a breath test. Right upper abdominal pain can be caused by gallstones or a gall bladder that is not functioning properly. Gall bladder disease can easily be detected by an ultrasound. Gall bladder functioning can be determined by a Hidascan test.

Warning signs of serious disease can be indicated by unexplained weight loss, anemia from possible blood loss, a decrease in appetite, problems swallowing food, frequent vomiting, and sudden problems with indigestion in someone after age of 55. If a patient has any of these warning signs, they should see a physician.

Indigestion can be treated by stopping over the counter pain medicines, stopping smoking, drinking less alcohol, and changing your diet to avoid spicy foods that may upset your stomach. Indigestion can worsen in a person that is stressed or depressed. Over the counter medicines like Zantac, Pepcid, or Prilosec may help. There are prescription medications that can be prescribed by your physician. If a person has Helicobacter Pylori, antibiotics can help eliminate the bacteria.