INDIGESTION

There are a number of symptoms in this area: Heartburn, dyspepsia, indigestion, acidity, reflux. Almost everyone gets it some time or another. Often it can be linked to dietary indiscretions or alcohol intake. Smoking can predispose as well. Because it is so common it may get dismissed as trivial but occasionally it may signify serious disease such as ulcers, cancer, gallstones or heart disease. There may be an underlying condition such as hiatus hernia which can cause great misery though it very rarely causes serious complications. When to be concerned:

• If there is loss of weight or you generally feel unwell or if there are associated symptoms such as jaundice (whites of the eyes tinged yellow +/- dark urine and pale stools).
• If simple antacids don't work or you're needing to take large quantities.
• If it's related to exercise - sometimes heart pain (angina) can be a bit like indigestion.
• If it persists beyond a couple of weeks.
• If it wakes you or prevents you sleeping.
• If the pain goes through to the back and/or you get relief on sitting forward..
• If there is persistent vomiting.

Whilst many over 45 years of age have an innocent cause for indigestion the likelihood of diseases such as cancer and heart disease is greater than in younger patients so we would certainly discourage patients in this age group to ignore this symptom if it persists beyond a couple of weeks or if the symptoms are intrusive on day to day activities or you simply don't feel well in yourself. Incidentally H2 antagonist drugs such as Tagamet (Cimetidine), Zantac (Ranitidine) or PPI drugs such as Losec  (omeprazole), Zoton (lansoprazole) are very powerful and can mask serious disease. They should not be taken for more than a couple of weeks  without a diagnosis from a doctor - especially by the patient over 45 years of age.

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