All about Gastric and Indigestion Issues

What is the Gastric Problem and Indigestion?

Gas, acidity, and indigestion are common stomach problems that many people face. Gas happens when air builds up in the stomach or intestines, causing bloating, burping, or a feeling of fullness. Acidity occurs when stomach acid flows back into the food pipe, leading to a burning feeling in the chest, known as heartburn. Indigestion is a general term for discomfort after eating, like heaviness, pain in the upper belly, or nausea.

Gastric cancer, also called stomach cancer, occurs when abnormal cells grow in the stomach's lining. If not treated, these cells can form a tumour and spread to other parts of the body. 

Where does gastric pain occur? It is often asked by people. Gastric pain usually happens in the upper part of the stomach, just below the chest. Some people feel it in the centre of the abdomen or around the navel area. The pain may also spread to the chest or back in some cases. It often gets worse after eating, when lying down, or when the stomach is empty. 

Treatment for gastric and indigestion means using medicine, food habits, and lifestyle changes to reduce gas, stomach pain, and acid problems. Doctors often call it gastric treatment or indigestion care, but many patients just say gas problem treatment or gastritis treatment.

These treatments help when you feel bloated, have a burning chest (acidity), or feel full after eating only a little. Some people think gastric means a big disease or ulcer, but in most cases, it is a common stomach issue caused by food, stress, or infections. 

Gastric and indigestion can cause mild and serious conditions. Mild issues include gas, acidity, bloating, and stomach discomfort, which often improve with simple medicine and diet changes. Serious conditions like gastritis, ulcers, acid reflux disease (GERD), or H. pylori infection may need long-term care. 

Treatment is simple and works well when started early. If medicines don’t help or if symptoms keep coming back, doctors may suggest an endoscopy to check the stomach.

Why Do People Need Treatment for Gastric and Indigestion?

People need treatment for gastric and indigestion to stop pain, improve digestion, and avoid serious health problems. Gastric issues, gastric cancer, and indigestion are common. While some cases are mild, others, like gastric cancer, can be serious. 

Early treatment helps reduce pain and prevent complications. 

Causes of gastric and indigestion

Gastric problems and indigestion can happen for many reasons, including:

• Eating heavy or spicy foods
• Eating too quickly or overeating
• Stress and anxiety
• Drinking too much alcohol or caffeine
• Smoking
• Fatty or oily foods
• Certain medications, like painkillers or antibiotics
• Infections, like H. pylori bacteria
• Underlying conditions like ulcers or acid reflux (GERD)

What Are the Symptoms of Gastric and Indigestion?

Symptoms of gastric acidity

• Burning in the chest (heartburn)
• Stomach pain or discomfort
• Bloating and gas
• Sour taste in the mouth
• Burping often
• Feeling full after small meals
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Chest pain after eating
• Trouble swallowing (in severe cases)

Symptoms of gastric pain

• Sharp or burning pain in the upper abdomen
• Pain that worsens after eating
• Stomach cramps or discomfort‍
• Feeling of tightness or pressure in the stomach‍
• Pain that improves after burping or passing gas‍
• Pain that may come and go or stay constant‍
• Nausea along with pain
• Bloating with pain
• Pain that worsens when lying down
• Mild fever (in case of infection)

Symptoms of Indigestion

• Pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen
• Feeling full or bloated after eating
• Nausea or the urge to vomit
• Burping or excessive gas
• Heartburn or a burning sensation in the chest
• Sour taste in the mouth
• Loss of appetite
• Feeling of heaviness after meals

Symptoms of Gastric Stomach Cancer

The symptoms of gastric stomach cancer are:

• Persistent stomach pain or discomfort
  
• Nausea or vomiting, sometimes with blood
  
• Loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss
  
• Feeling full quickly after eating, even small meals
  
• Indigestion or heartburn
  
• Blood in stool or dark, tarry stools
  
• Fatigue or weakness
  
• Swelling or fluid build-up in the abdomen
• Difficulty swallowing (in advanced cases)

Foods to Eliminate Gastric Problems

Eating the right food can reduce gas, acidity, and stomach pain. These foods are gentle on the stomach and support digestion:

• Boiled rice and soft-cooked vegetables
  
• Bananas: help reduce acid
  
• Ginger: supports digestion and reduces bloating
  
• Yoghurt (curd): contains good bacteria
  
• Oats: easy to digest and keep you full
  
• Coconut water: cools the stomach
  
• Cumin water or jeera water: reduces gas
  
• Buttermilk: calms acidity
  
• Apples: high in fibre and easy on the stomach
  
• Plain toast or crackers: absorbs stomach acid

Avoid oily, spicy, fried, and fast food. Eat small meals and chew slowly to help digestion.

Ways to Cure Acidity/Heartburn

Heartburn is a burning sensation in your chest, usually behind the breastbone, that often occurs after eating or at night. Some of the ways to cure are:

• Eat smaller meals: Eating smaller, more frequent meals can reduce pressure on your stomach.
  
• Avoid spicy, oily, or fatty foods: These can trigger heartburn.
  
• Drink plenty of water: Water helps neutralise stomach acid.
  
• Use antacids: Over-the-counter antacids can quickly relieve symptoms.
  
• Ginger tea: Ginger has natural properties that can reduce acid.
  
• Stay upright after meals: Avoid lying down for at least 2 to 3 hours after eating.
  
• Sleep with your head raised: Sleeping with your head elevated can help prevent acid from rising.
  
• Chew gum: This can help neutralise stomach acid and reduce heartburn.
  
• Avoid smoking and alcohol: Both can increase stomach acid production.
  
• Take prescribed medications: If necessary, a doctor may recommend proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 blockers for long-term relief.

To prevent gastric acidity and indigestion, eat small, light meals, avoid spicy or oily food, and chew slowly. Drink plenty of water, stay active, and avoid lying down right after eating. Managing stress and avoiding smoking or alcohol also helps keep your stomach healthy.

When Do These Symptoms Lead to Treatment?

These symptoms need treatment when they last for more than a few days, keep coming back, or get worse over time. A doctor may suggest:

• Physical exam: The doctor checks your stomach for pain or swelling.
  
• Blood test: Checks for infection, anaemia, or signs of cancer.
  
• Stool test: Looks for blood or H. pylori infection.
  
• Endoscopy: A thin tube with a camera is passed into the stomach to check for ulcers, swelling, or tumours.
  
• Biopsy: A small tissue sample is taken during endoscopy to check for cancer.
  
• Ultrasound or CT scan: Shows the shape and size of the stomach and nearby organs.
  
• Breath test: Detects H. pylori bacteria, a common cause of gastric problems.

If you have severe stomach pain, weight loss, vomiting, blood in your stool, or trouble swallowing, you should see a doctor immediately. Early treatment can prevent severe conditions like ulcers or gastric cancer.

If you or your loved ones have any of these signs, contact Bangla Health Connect to connect you with experts at Apollo Hospitals.

Why Choose India for Gastric and Indigestion Treatment?

India is known worldwide for its high-quality medical services. Many Bangladeshi patients prefer India for its advanced medical care.

Here’s why India is a top choice for many Bangladeshi patients:

• Experienced Gastroenterologists
  Indian hospitals have highly skilled doctors who treat gastric issues, including acidity, ulcers, and gastric cancer, every day. Many of these specialists are trained in renowned international hospitals and have years of experience with advanced treatment techniques.‍
• Advanced Medical Technology
  Hospitals in India use state-of-the-art equipment for accurate diagnosis and treatment. This includes high-resolution endoscopy, imaging tests, and minimally invasive surgeries. These technologies help doctors diagnose conditions quickly and treat them with greater precision.‍
• Easy travel and language
  Bangladeshi patients can travel to India easily. Many hospitals offer Bengali-speaking staff and translators to support patients and families.‍
• Faster Appointments and Surgery Dates
  In countries with long waiting times, it can be frustrating for patients needing urgent care. In India, many hospitals provide quicker access to treatment, including urgent surgeries for gastric cancer or advanced indigestion issues, ensuring faster recovery.‍
• Support for International Patients
  Indian hospitals offer dedicated teams, like Bangla Health Connect, to help foreign patients. They assist with appointment scheduling, medical visas, translation, and travel arrangements, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.

India offers the right mix of skilled doctors, advanced treatment options, lower cost, and patient-friendly services. Compared to other countries, patients get the same quality care at a much more affordable price in India.

Contact Bangla Health Connect today to connect with top Indian hospitals, book a doctor’s appointment or get a second opinion.