Acidity, flatulence and gas are problems that most of us have experienced at some point. They usually come from irregular eating habits, excessive spicy food. The discomfort can be controlled with (over the counter) medications and some diet changes.
But what if the symptoms do not go away? If you struggle with acidity, flatulence or indigestion for a long time even after taking the medicine - it means that there is an underlying health problem behind it. Let's find out some possible reasons why persistent indigestion should not be ignored.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS)
IBS is not caused by any structural problem in the body. Doctors call it a functional disorder. When the communication between the gut and the brain does not work properly, it affects the bowel movements. This results in symptoms like bloating, gas, abdominal pain and irregular bowel movements.
Irregular eating patterns, excessive alcohol consumption, exercising right after a meal or even excessive exercise can be the cause. If your digestive discomfort comes and goes unexpectedly, IBS may be the cause.
Food intolerances and allergies
Sometimes the problem lies not in digestion but in the body reaction to certain foods. For example - lactose intolerance causes difficulty digesting milk and dairy products, leading to bloating and gas. Similarly, fructose malabsorption or gluten sensitivity can also cause long term indigestion.
In this case, avoiding trigger foods is very important.
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth(SIBO)
When harmful bacteria grow too much in the small intestine, it can disrupt digestion. Known as SIBO,this condition can cause symptoms like- gas, bloating, heartburn, nausea and even diarrhea.
If you notice that almost any food you eat causes discomfort, especially heartburn or persistent bloating. It may be worth getting tested for SIBO. A doctor can confirm this with specific tests and recommend appropriate treatment.
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Helicobacter Pylori Infection
Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori is bacteria strongly connect to ulcer problem. It make inflammation in stomach lining causing strong pain, nausea, loss of appetite. Acidity that not improve with normal medicine.
If leave untreated, H. pylori infection can go serious. That is why long-time indigestion always need check with doctor.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is autoimmune problem from gluten, a protein in wheat, barley and rye. If person with celiac eat gluten it make inflammation in small intestine.
Symptom include bloating, stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation, skin rash and mouth ulcer. Because intestine damage, nutrition absorption not happen well leading to weakness and long health issue.
The only way to manage celiac disease is avoiding gluten fully. Replace wheat and barley with rice, corn, egg, fish, meat, vegetable, fruit, nut and seed can help heal intestine.
When to Seek Medical Help
Sometimes acidity after heavy food is normal, but if it continue for weeks and not better with medicine, it is warning. Persistent indigestion can mean more than simple acidity. IBS, food intolerance, bacteria growth or infection may be hidden reason.
Visit doctor early help to get correct diagnose and treatment. Often lifestyle change and right medicine give long relief.
It's easy to dismiss acidity and flatulence as minor problems, but when they become chronic, they can cause serious damage to your body.
Taking timely action not only relieves discomfort but also protects you from more serious health complications in the future. Your digestive system is central to your overall health, and it is your responsibility to take care of it.
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