Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, is a common condition that affects many people. It is characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and heartburn. While many cases of indigestion end up mostly harmless, there is always the risk that symptoms of indigestion are actually the mistaken symptoms of something much worse, like a heart attack or gallbladder attack. Indeed, at Advance ER, the majority of patients who are diagnosed with a serious heart or gallbladder issue originally tell us that they “thought it was just indigestion.”
If you are suffering from indigestion that is painful or recurrent, then please come to one of our locations immediately for emergency medical care. You could be experiencing the first warning signs of a health condition far more serious than indigestion. Be safe and let a medical expert evaluate your health rather than just assuming it is a stomach ache. Call (214) 494-8222 now for more information.
Identifying Indigestion
Indigestion is characterized by a range of uncomfortable symptoms that can occur after eating or drinking. The symptoms of indigestion should typically be mild and brief. Even people who have been diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD or “chronic heartburn”) often only feel a mild or briefly recurring heartburn sensation. Again, if your indigestion is painful, persistent, or recurrent, or you just feel like something is off, please seek emergency medical attention at once.
If you are suffering from just indigestion, you might experience these symptoms:
- Burning sensation in the upper abdomen
- Bloating
- Gassiness
- Mild nausea
- Mild abdominal discomfort
- Sour taste in the mouth
Signs that indigestion could be something more serious include:
- Severe chest pain
- Pressure in the chest, jaw, neck, or back
- Strong nausea and/or vomiting
- Difficulty swallowing
- Painful or powerful hiccups or coughs
- Sharp abdominal pain
Do not delay treatment or seeking out a medical evaluation if you are experiencing the above symptoms.
Remedies for Indigestion
A few home remedies that can help quell indigestion are:
- Taking an antacid like Tums™
- Drinking ginger ale or herbal tea
- Applying a warm compress to the abdomen
A home remedy for indigestion should usually cause relief within a matter of minutes. If it does not, then it could be another indication that the issue is something more serious than indigestion or heartburn. Please listen to your body and seek emergency care at once, rather than losing time to a home remedy that might not help, if “something seems off” or the symptoms are painful, persistent, or recurring.
To find the Advance ER location nearest you, call (214) 494-8222 now. When other urgent care centers are closed, you can always count on our 24-hour emergency care rooms to be open with NO wait times.
