Indigestion isn’t always cause to see a doctor. Maybe you occasionally experience discomfort after eating, or certain foods make you feel nauseous. Occasional indigestion that goes away quickly isn’t anything to fret over. Indigestion can indicate a more serious health problem, however. So, when should you see a doctor for indigestion?
What is indigestion?
Indigestion – also known as dyspepsia – is a term used to describe pain or discomfort after eating. Indigestion is not a disease; it refers to symptoms you may experience.
Nausea, vomiting, bloating, feeling uncomfortably full, feeling full early in your meal, and pain or discomfort in your abdomen are all types of indigestion. You may experience these symptoms individually, or a combination of these symptoms.
Heartburn is often lumped together with indigestion, but it is distinct from indigestion. Heartburn and indigestion may feel similar for some, and it’s possible to experience both at the same time.
When should you see a doctor for indigestion?
Changes in your diet and lifestyle can often relieve indigestion. This isn’t always the case, however. Indigestion may indicate a digestive disease or other serious health problem.
If indigestion isn’t a regular problem for you, or you occasionally experience mild symptoms that go away quickly, it’s not necessary to see your doctor for indigestion.
However, if the symptoms do not go away, if the pain is severe, or if you experience indigestion along with unintentional weight loss, loss of appetite, weakness and fatigue, difficulty swallowing, black, tarry stool, vomiting, or blood in stool or vomit, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Your doctor will discuss your symptoms with you and she may refer you to see a specialist. A gastroenterologist is a doctor that specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and the liver.
Contact Fayetteville Diagnostic Clinic to get in contact with a gastroenterologist in Northwest Arkansas.