What Is Indigestion?
Indigestion usually happens when people eat too much, too fast, or foods that don't "agree" with them. It's fair to say that big cheesesteak sandwich didn't agree with Brandon!
Brandon had a little heartburn with his indigestion. It doesn't mean there was anything wrong with his heart. Heartburn is a burning feeling that travels from a person's chest up to the neck and throat. It's caused by stomach acid, which isn't a problem unless it gets out of your stomach.
With heartburn, stomach acid splashes up and irritates the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. Also called acid indigestion, this usually leaves a sour or bitter taste in the person's mouth.
Indigestion and heartburn are common problems for both kids and grownups. That's why you see all those commercials for heartburn and indigestion medicines on TV! But don't take any medicine for indigestion unless your parents or doctor says it's OK. Most of the ones that are advertised on TV are meant for adults, not kids.
Stress, not enough sleep, smoking, or drinking alcohol also can make indigestion worse.
Symptoms:
* pain or burning in your upper belly — usually in the middle
* nausea (feeling sick to your stomach)
* bloating (that too-full feeling where your stomach sticks out)
* burping that you have a hard time controlling
When to Go to the Doctor
Usually, indigestion only happens once in a while, like after eating one too many hot dogs.
But you'll want to see the doctor if you get indigestion even when you're eating healthy foods, exercising, and getting enough sleep.
You may need to be examined, have stomach X-rays or other tests to make sure your indigestion is not the sign of another problem in your digestive tract. Depending on what the doctor finds, you might need to make changes in your diet or take medicine.
Be sure to tell your parent right way if you:
* throw up (or vomit), especially if you ever see blood in your throw up
* think you're losing weight
* have no appetite for more than a day
* ever feel short of breath
* sweat for no reason
* have belly pain that won't go away or feels really bad
* have poop (bowel movements) that look black or sticky or you see blood in the toilet or on the toilet paper after you wipe
