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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Can indigestion cause rectal bleeding?

Indigestion does not cause bloody stools. Most cases of bloody stools are due to rupture of the gastrointestinal mucosa or damage to the walls of submucosal blood vessels. The primary symptoms of indigestion include decreased appetite, bloating, stomach pain, and acid reflux. Most instances of indigestion are caused by reduced gastric motility, and there are medications available that promote gastrointestinal motility and increase appetite. Additionally, it is recommended to eat a light and reasonable diet, avoiding greasy and spicy foods. Engaging in appropriate outdoor activities after meals can help increase gastrointestinal motility. Maintaining a good mood is also beneficial for improving symptoms of poor gastrointestinal function. (Note: The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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How to regulate indigestion caused by stomach acid?

Symptoms of excessive stomach acid and indigestion usually indicate insufficient gastric motility and hypersecretion of stomach acid. Many gastrointestinal diseases may present these symptoms, so it is advisable to first check with a gastroscopy and a test for Helicobacter pylori. Treatment should be targeted based on the results of the tests. At the same time, it is important to develop good living habits, ensure proper balance between work and rest, and have meals at regular times and in controlled amounts, or eat smaller, more frequent meals. Try to avoid extreme hunger or overeating, and excessive eating and drinking, while also quitting smoking and alcohol. The principle for diet is to consume light and easily digestible food, and to avoid raw, greasy, spicy, and irritating foods.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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How to regulate stomach ailments and indigestion?

Indigestion is one of the common symptoms of upper gastrointestinal diseases, which can be functional or organic, such as functional dyspepsia, gastroptosis, chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, gastrointestinal tumors, drug-induced gastric diseases, etc. As for how to manage digestive disorders related to stomach diseases, it is primarily necessary to identify the cause. It is generally advocated to conduct upper gastrointestinal radiography, gastroscopy, and Helicobacter pylori testing, and to adopt targeted treatments based on the test results, such as eradicating Helicobacter pylori, enhancing gastric motility, protecting the gastric mucosa, and so on. At the same time, it is important to develop good dietary and living habits, balance work and rest, quit smoking and drinking, eat on a regular schedule or eat smaller, more frequent meals, and try to avoid overeating or binge eating, as well as excessive consumption of raw, greasy, or spicy and irritating foods.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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What should I do about indigestion?

Indigestion is considered a gastrointestinal dysfunction, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views it as spleen and stomach weakness. TCM recommends using herbal medicines to adjust the spleen and stomach, as well as consuming foods that aid digestion, such as tomatoes, hawthorn, pumpkin, and Chinese yam. These foods help to generate fluids to quench thirst, moisten the intestines for bowel movement, and assist digestion. It is advisable to have a lighter diet, avoid spicy and greasy foods, engage in appropriate outdoor exercise to improve physical health, and eat meals at regular times and quantities to avoid overeating. It is important to protect the gastrointestinal system and enhance the stomach's digestive function in daily life. If symptoms do not improve after dietary adjustments, it is recommended to visit the gastroenterology department for a detailed examination.

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Is functional dyspepsia hereditary?

Functional dyspepsia is not a hereditary disease and does not have a genetic component. Functional dyspepsia refers to indigestion caused by the dysfunction of the stomach and intestines without any obvious organic diseases. The main symptoms include dull pain in the upper abdomen, which can manifest as burning or bloating pain. There are also symptoms such as acid reflux, belching, heartburn, diarrhea, vomiting, and sometimes the passage of mucus stools. Generally, it does not lead to purulent or bloody stools, nor does it cause fever or severe urgency after defecation, among other symptoms.