We often ignore stomach issues, thinking they’re just a normal part of life, especially after eating a heavy meal. It’s easy to overlook that bloated feeling or occasional upset stomach as nothing important. But if these stomach troubles keep coming back or don’t go away, it’s a different story. That’s when it’s time to take them seriously, because what seems like a small issue could be a sign of something more serious happening in your digestive system. There’s a chance that these ongoing problems might lead to chronic indigestion, which can affect your quality of life. Chronic indigestion, or dyspepsia, is more than just a little discomfort, it might be your body’s way of telling you that there’s a bigger problem.
While it’s normal to have indigestion every now and then, especially if you’ve had a heavy meal or spicy food, it shouldn’t become a regular thing. Living with frequent stomach problems can also get in the way of enjoying life. You might start skipping certain foods or avoiding social events just to steer clear of the discomfort. In this blog, let’s talk about why it’s important to take stomach problems seriously, what could be causing your symptoms, and some simple ways to help you feel better. Recognizing the signs early and doing something about them can make a big difference for your health.
What is Chronic Indigestion?
Chronic indigestion is when you keep feeling discomfort or pain in your upper belly, and it doesn’t go away easily. You might also feel bloated, feeling nauseous, or very full even after eating just a small amount of food. It’s not the same as heartburn, which happens because of acid reflux, but sometimes the two can feel similar, making it hard to tell them apart. Other signs of chronic indigestion can include burping a lot, losing your appetite, or having a burning feeling in your stomach.
If these problems happen a lot, several times a week or keep coming back for months, it could mean you have chronic indigestion. While it’s normal to have an upset stomach once in a while, constant symptoms shouldn’t be ignored because they might be a sign of something more serious, like an ulcer or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Potential Causes of Chronic Indigestion
Chronic indigestion can be frustrating and uncomfortable, and understanding its potential causes can help you find relief. Here are some common reasons why you might experience chronic indigestion:
1. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
GERD is a condition where your stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube that is connecting to your mouth and stomach (oesophagus). This backflow can irritate the lining of the oesophagus and can cause heartburn. Over time, it can also cause inflammation and damage to the oesophagus. People with GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) often experience indigestion as a recurring problem, especially after meals or when they lie down. If left this condition untreated, GERD can lead to more serious complications, such as ulcers, narrowing of the oesophagus, or even an increased risk of esophageal cancer.
2. Peptic Ulcers
Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop on the lining of the stomach or the small intestine, often caused by an infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria or long-term use of certain medications, like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). When you have signs of peptic ulcer, you might experience persistent pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen, especially when your stomach is empty. This pain can be accompanied by symptoms like bloating, nausea, and indigestion. The irritation caused by the ulcer can disrupt the normal digestive process, leading to recurring issues.
3. Helicobacter Pylori Infection
Many people with an H. pylori infection experience symptoms such as bloating, nausea, and a feeling of fullness after eating, which can mimic chronic indigestion. The infection often goes unnoticed because some people might not feel or show symptoms at all. However, if you don’t pay attention and leave this without any treatment, it can cause serious complications, and can also increase the risk of stomach cancer. The good thing is, it can be effectively treated with a combination of antibiotics and acid-reducing medications, and you can restore your digestive health.
4. Gastroparesis
When food takes longer to move through your stomach, it can lead to gastroparesis, which can cause chronic indigestion along with symptoms like bloating, nausea, and a feeling of fullness after eating only a small amount. If you find yourself sitting down for a meal but feeling uncomfortable and full before you’ve finished eating, that’s a common experience for someone with gastroparesis. This slow digestion means that food stays in your stomach longer, leading to recurring indigestion and discomfort. It can also increase your risk of developing other issues, such as acid reflux. Recognizing the signs of gastroparesis and understanding how it relates to chronic indigestion is important.
5. Pancreatic Issues
Pancreatic problems can cause chronic indigestion by messing with how the body breaks down food. When the pancreas isn’t working well because of conditions like exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) or long-term inflammation (chronic pancreatitis), it doesn’t make enough enzymes to help digest food properly. This poor digestion can lead to symptoms like bloating, gas, severe stomach pain, and greasy stools. In some cases, pancreatic cancer or fluid-filled sacs (cysts) can block the ducts, stopping these enzymes from reaching the intestines. Without enough enzymes to break down food, it sits in the gut, ferments, and causes ongoing indigestion.
6. Gallbladder Disease
Gallbladder disease can disrupt the flow of bile, which is a digestive fluid that helps break down fats in the small intestine, leading to chronic indigestion. When conditions like gallstones or gallbladder inflammation block the bile ducts, bile can’t reach the digestive tract properly. Without enough bile, the body has a hard time digesting fatty foods, causing symptoms like bloating, nausea, gas, and stomach discomfort after eating. This poor digestion makes food stay in the stomach longer, and can cause ongoing indigestion, especially after eating rich or greasy meals.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Chronic Indigestion
While occasional indigestion is not typically a cause for concern, chronic symptoms should not be taken lightly. Persistent indigestion could signal a serious medical condition that requires treatment. Ignoring the symptoms may lead to complications such as:
1. Damage to the Oesophagus
Chronic indigestion, especially when caused by acid reflux, can damage the oesophagus over time. When stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the oesophagus, it irritates the lining, leading to a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This constant irritation can cause inflammation, soreness, and even ulcers in the oesophagus. Over time, the repeated exposure to acid can lead to scar tissue forming, which can narrow the oesophagus and make swallowing difficult. In some cases, the damage may cause changes in the cells lining the oesophagus, a condition known as Barrett’s oesophagus, which increases the risk of developing esophageal cancer.
2. Stomach Bleeding or Perforation
Chronic indigestion can seriously damage your stomach and lead to bleeding or perforation if not treated. Ongoing irritation from acid reflux or too much stomach acid can damage the stomach lining and create peptic ulcers. If these ulcers get worse, they can start to bleed and can lead to symptoms like black or bloody stools and severe stomach pain. In extreme cases, the ulcers can create a hole in the stomach wall, which is called perforation. This can cause stomach contents to leak into the abdomen, resulting in a dangerous infection known as peritonitis. It’s important to treat chronic indigestion quickly to avoid these serious complications.
3. Increased Risk of Cancer
Conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can lead to long-term irritation and inflammation of the oesophagus, which may result in Barrett’s oesophagus, a condition where the cells lining the oesophagus change and become more prone to cancer. Similarly, chronic gastritis or ulcers in the stomach can also heighten the risk of stomach cancer. When the stomach lining is repeatedly damaged, it can undergo changes that lead to malignant growths over time. Early diagnosis and treatment of chronic indigestion are crucial to reducing these risks and protecting your long-term health.
4. Nutrient Deficiencies
Chronic indigestion can increase the risk of cancer, particularly in the digestive tract. Conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can lead to long-term irritation and inflammation of the oesophagus, which may result in Barrett’s oesophagus, a condition where the cells lining the oesophagus change and become more prone to cancer. Similarly, chronic gastritis or ulcers in the stomach can heighten the risk of stomach cancer. When the stomach lining is repeatedly damaged, it can undergo changes that lead to malignant growths over time.
Wrapping Up
While occasional indigestion is a normal part of life, chronic indigestion should not be ignored. It can be a sign of various underlying health conditions, some of which can be serious if left untreated. By paying attention to your body and seeking medical attention when symptoms persist, you can address potential health issues early and improve your overall quality of life. For professional advice, you can consult Dr. Preetha Thomas, she can assess your symptoms and suggest treatments that are right for you. With her expertise, you can better understand the root causes of your chronic indigestion and develop a plan to restore your digestive health.