What tests should be done for indigestion?

Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 15, 2024
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Indigestion is relatively common in clinical practice. Patients can undergo several diagnostic tests to rule out other causes of indigestion. These tests include gastroscopy, complete blood count, liver function tests, Helicobacter pylori testing, and abdominal ultrasound. Generally, if these tests show no issues, especially if the patient's symptoms are persistent and not accompanied by any alarming signs such as fever, bloody stools, vomiting blood, decreased appetite, or weight loss, indigestion is usually considered. In terms of treatment, symptomatic treatment is emphasized. Typically, medications that protect the stomach, improve gastrointestinal motility, and aid digestion can be used and generally provide some degree of control. Of course, this is under the assumption that other causes of abdominal discomfort, such as ulcers, inflammation, or even tumors, have been ruled out. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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What should I do if I have indigestion and dry heaving?

Symptoms of chronic indigestion and retching are mainly considered indicative of chronic gastritis. Common symptoms of chronic gastritis include upper abdominal bloating, belching, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, indigestion, and heartburn. Gastroscope examination revealing mucosal congestion, edema, or erosion confirms the diagnosis of chronic gastritis. It is also advisable to undergo a Carbon-14 breath test to determine the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection. Helicobacter pylori has been confirmed as a major cause of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and even gastric cancer. If Helicobacter pylori infection tests positive, a 14-day anti-Helicobacter pylori treatment is required, involving a proton pump inhibitor, two antibiotics, and a bismuth agent. Additionally, for chronic gastritis, acid suppression, gastric protection, enhancement of gastric motility, and mucosal repair treatments are also necessary. With standardized treatment, symptoms can disappear, and the disease can be effectively cured.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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How to deal with indigestion and nausea?

If symptoms of indigestion and nausea appear in the short term, they may be caused by exposure to cold, improper diet, medication factors, and so on. In such cases, adjusting the diet or discontinuing the related medication should gradually relieve the symptoms. If this condition persists for a long period, it is necessary to rule out upper gastrointestinal issues. Initial steps should include relevant examinations, commonly involving procedures such as gastroscopy, tests for Helicobacter pylori, or upper gastrointestinal imaging, etc. Based on the results of these tests, targeted treatment should be administered, such as eradicating Helicobacter pylori. If there is no Helicobacter pylori infection, symptomatic treatment should be considered, such as enhancing gastric motility, protecting the gastric mucosa, or suppressing stomach acid, etc.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Can indigestion cause chest tightness?

Indigestion generally does not cause chest tightness. The main symptoms of indigestion include upper abdominal pain, accompanied by belching, acid reflux, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea, among others. If a patient experiences chest tightness, along with chest pain and difficulty breathing, it is necessary to consider whether it is due to a cardiac disease or a pulmonary disease, and it is recommended to go to the hospital for a formal examination. Initially, it is important to complete an electrocardiogram and a chest radiograph, followed by cardiac auscultation and pulmonary auscultation.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
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How to relieve indigestion and nausea

If indigestion leads to vomiting, one can use the method of applying heat to the stomach to stop vomiting. If the effect is still not clear after the hot compress, consider muscle injection of "Weifu'an" to stop vomiting. Of course, this should be used under the guidance of an experienced doctor. Indigestion can also be accompanied by symptoms such as belching, acid reflux, and heartburn. Some patients may also experience diarrhea, constipation, or alternating occurrences of diarrhea and constipation. For the nausea caused by indigestion, sometimes traditional Chinese medicine treatments such as acupuncture at the Zusanli point can also be used, which has relatively definite efficacy.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
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What are the symptoms of indigestion?

Indigestion, also known as functional dyspepsia, is primarily characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting, due to impaired food ejection function. Poor appetite can lead to a relative lack of body energy, resulting in symptoms like insomnia, anxiety, and depression. Indigestion is common among children and the elderly or frail. In treatment, it is important to adjust the diet to focus on soft, easy-to-digest foods, eat more fresh green vegetables, and avoid raw, cold, or spicy foods.