How to regulate stomach ailments and indigestion?

Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 29, 2024
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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 Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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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.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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What should a baby eat if they have indigestion?

If the baby has indigestion, first of all, in terms of diet, provide light and easily digestible foods, such as rice porridge and noodles as complementary foods. If the baby is breastfed, the mother should eat a light diet and avoid greasy and spicy foods. If the baby is fed with cow's milk, try to dilute it a bit to aid in digestion. At the same time, they can eat more vegetables and fruits, which are relatively easy to digest. Some traditional Chinese medicines can also be given for regulation, such as Shenqu, Ji Nei Jin, hawthorn, and malt, all of which aid digestion. Additionally, intestinal probiotics can be added to regulate gastrointestinal function and an appropriate amount of zinc can be supplemented to increase appetite.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
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What tests should be done for indigestion?

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 Zhang Shu Kun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Does stomach cold easily lead to indigestion?

Patients with a cold stomach may experience poor digestion, and other symptoms of deficiency-cold such as diarrhea and abdominal bloating. They usually avoid eating very cold or very hard foods. It is recommended to eat foods like adzuki beans, red beans, coix seed, and jujube, which can effectively help expel the cold from the stomach and improve symptoms. Also, it is advisable to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables regularly, mainly to avoid stimulating, greasy, and raw cold foods, so as not to aggravate the condition. Engaging in more physical activities can effectively aid gastrointestinal motility and improve symptoms.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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One-year-old baby with indigestion

If a one-year-old baby has indigestion, first we should pay attention to the child's diet to see if it is normal. A one-year-old child should ideally have three main meals a day and then drink about 500ml of milk or formula. If the child's diet is inappropriate, or the child has little physical activity, or due to illness, etc., these can lead to indigestion. In such cases, we first need to adjust the dietary structure, offering the child light and easily digestible food, and avoid foods that are too fatty or too sweet. Additionally, some medications for treating indigestion can be administrated to the child, such as gastric protease granules, multi-enzyme tablets, pediatric fel nigrum extract, etc. For children who also have abnormal stool, probiotics can be given to help regulate their digestion.