Drugs for indigestion in Nigeria /Drugs For the Treatment of Indigestion in Nigeria/home remedy for indigestion and heartburn in Nigeria.
There is no clear-cut definition for indigestion but persons say they have indigestion when the have the following symptoms
1. Burning sensation in the chest known colloquially as heartburns
2. Bloating – stomach is full with frequent passing of gas and belching. This gas may have very bad odour.
3. Stomach discomfort
4. Upper abdominal pains
5. Saliva gathering in the mouth
6. Nausea
7. Feeling full in a discomforting manner.
8. Water brash/ bitter taste in the mouth
Medically indigestion is referred to as dyspepsia and it may be a pointer to an underlying medical illness.
Causes of indigestion
Men and women of all ages can get indigestion. It’s a common condition. But certain things make some people more prone to it. Causes include:
Diseases:
- Ulcers
- GERD/Acid Reflux Disease
- Stomach cancer. This is rare.
- Gastroparesis, a condition where the stomach doesn’t empty properly. It often happens to people with diabetes.
- Stomach infections
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Pancreatitis, an inflamed pancreas
- Thyroid disease
- Family history: it runs in some families.
- Hiatus hernia
- Food intolerance
Medications:
- Aspirin and many other pain relievers
- Estrogen and birth control pills
- Steroid medications
- Some antibiotics
- Thyroid medicines
Lifestyle:
- Eating too much, too fast, or when you’re stressed. High-fat foods can also add to the problem.
- Chocolate may cause indigestion
- Eating in an awkward position
- Lying down immediately after eating
- Drinking too much alcohol (binge drinking)
- Smoking
- Stress and fatigue
Pregnancy
Many women have indigestion during the middle and later parts of pregnancy. The problem might come from hormones, which relax the muscles of the digestive tract, and from the pressure the growing baby puts on the stomach. Pregnancy is a cause of acid reflux and indigestion .
Drugs For Indigestion in Nigeria
- Antacids: Antacids like mist Mag, gaviscon, gestids and gascol provide immediate symptomatic relief for indigestion. Take 20mls immediately and 10 mls later.
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which can reduce stomach acid. PPIs may be recommended if you experience heartburn along with indigestion. Example of a proton pump inhibitor is omeprazole. Take 1 tablets twice daily
- H-2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs), which can also reduce stomach acid. Example of the drug is cimetidine. Take 200mg twice or thrice daily. Do not combine cimetidine with omeprazole
- Prokinetics, which may be helpful if your stomach empties slowly. Example of a prokinetic drug is metoclopramide (maxolon)
- Antibiotics, if H. pylori bacteria are causing your indigestion. Amoxicillin, metronidazole, or clarithrimycin (erythromycin) will suffice.
- Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications, which may ease the discomfort from indigestion by decreasing your sensation of pain. Drugs like amitryptiline may help relief some pains though it will make you drowsy.
Lifestyle and home remedies for indigestion
Mild indigestion can often be helped with lifestyle changes, including:
- Eating smaller, more-frequent meals: Chew your food slowly and thoroughly. Eat vegetables.
- Avoiding triggers:Fatty and spicy foods, processed foods, carbonated beverages, caffeine, alcohol, and smoking can trigger indigestion.
- Maintaining a healthy weight: Excess pounds put pressure on your abdomen, pushing up your stomach and causing acid to back up into your esophagus.
- Exercising regularly: Exercise helps you keep off extra weight and promotes better digestion.
- Managing stress: Create a calm environment at mealtime. Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation or yoga. Spend time doing things you enjoy. Get plenty of sleep.
- Changing your medications: With your doctor’s approval, stop or cut back on pain relievers or other medications that may irritate your stomach lining. If that’s not an option, be sure to take these medications with food.
Sources :
MayoClinic
WebMD
