Q. I get indigestion often and can’t figure out why. How can I find what is causing it?

Indigestion, or an upset stomach, is a general term for discomfort in your upper abdomen. This discomfort can take the form of burning stomach pain, nausea, heartburn, bloating, burping and vomiting.

If, in addition to your upset stomach, you experience sweating, shortness of breath or pain radiating to the jaw, neck or arm, get medical attention immediately. You could be having a heart attack.

We all get indigestion occasionally. About one in four of us gets an upset stomach at some time. If you are suffering from this condition regularly, you should see a doctor. Indigestion, also known as “dyspepsia,” can be the result of something more serious than stuffing down a hot dog on-the-run.

Indigestion can be a symptom of acid reflux disease, an ulcer, gallbladder disease or appendicitis. It can also be a warning sign for stomach cancer, although this is rare. Some medicines can give you indigestion. Occasionally, persistent indigestion is caused by a problem in the way food moves through the digestive tract.

Seeing a doctor is especially important if you are older than 50. Some other red flags are: a mass in your stomach, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, unexplained weight loss, and black stools.

One of the best tips I have found to determine what causes occasional indigestion is keeping a diary of the foods you eat. A friend of mine tried this. By analyzing what he ate and how he reacted, he figured out that he was lactose intolerant. If you want to avoid indigestion, here are some no-no’s.

Don’t:

* Pack in large meals. Take food in smaller doses.

* Gobble food. Put your fork down until you’ve finished chewing a mouthful and have swallowed it.

* Drink caffeinated beverages. Caffeine makes the stomach produce more acid.

* Overindulge in alcohol. Alcohol can irritate the stomach lining.

* Smoke. Smoking can irritate the stomach lining, too.

* Eat highly acidic, fatty or spicy foods.

* Let stress overwhelm you. Easy to say, but learning relaxation techniques will reduce stress and indigestion.

* Exercise or lie down immediately after eating.

* Eat two hours before you go to sleep.

* Take a lot of anti-inflammatory medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Switch to acetaminophen.

* Chew with your mouth open.

Indigestion can be treated successfully with medicine. If a medicine you’re taking for some other condition gives you an upset stomach, you might have to switch to another medicine.

Have a question? Email: fred@healthygeezer.com. Order “How To Be A Healthy Geezer,” 218-page compilation of columns: healthygeezer.com

All Rights Reserved &Copy; 2023 Fred Cicetti

The Times News, Inc. and affiliates (Lehigh Valley Press) do not endorse or recommend any medical products, processes, or services or provide medical advice. The views of the columnist and column do not necessarily state or reflect those of the Lehigh Valley Press. The article content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, or other qualified health-care provider, with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.