This article was professionally consulted by Dr. Vo Thi Thuy Trang, Grade I Specialist - Gastroenterologist - Department of Examination and Internal Medicine - Vinmec Da Nang International General Hospital
Heaviness in the stomach often causes discomfort after eating a meal or consuming certain types of food. Typical signs of heaviness in the stomach can include acid reflux, bad breath, belching... This article will provide essential information about the symptoms of heaviness in the stomach and treatments to help reduce this condition.
1. What is heaviness in the stomach?
The feeling of fullness, often used to signal satisfaction, typically occurs after the completion of a large meal. But if this sensation becomes physically uncomfortable and lasts longer after eating than usual, you may have what many people call heaviness in the stomach.
2. Symptoms of heaviness in the stomach
The signs and symptoms of heaviness in the stomach differ for each person. These symptoms often include:
- Acid reflux
- Bad breath
- Bloating
- Belching
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Sluggishness
- Abdominal pain
- Abdominal tightness
- Abdominal distension
If you experience any of the symptoms listed above that last for a few days, you should make an appointment with the doctor for a check-up and consultation. Doctors can help you diagnose the underlying cause. In case you experience severe symptoms, you should be taken to the emergency room immediately:
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Bleeding
- Blood in your stool
- High fever
- Chest pain
3. Potential causes of abdominal heaviness
The cause of abdominal heaviness is often due to your eating habits, such as:
- Eating too much
- Eating too quickly
- Eating too often
- Eating foods that are too greasy or spicy
- Eating foods that are difficult to digest
Sometimes a feeling of abdominal heaviness can also be a symptom of an underlying condition, such as:
- Food allergies
- Indigestion
- Gastritis
- Hiatal hernia
- Pancreatitis
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Esophagitis
- Gastric ulcers
4. Treatment of abdominal heaviness
To diagnose and treat appropriate treatment for bloating, you need to get help from the doctor to find out the specific cause of this symptom. Steps that can be applied to treat bloating include:
4.1. First Step
Firstly, the doctor may suggest changing specific aspects of your lifestyle. These lifestyle changes may include the following:
- Avoid or limit the use of greasy, spicy and difficult-to-digest foods in your daily meals.
- Change your eating habits. Eat more slowly and eat small meals.
- Increase the frequency of your exercise.
- Reduce or eliminate caffeine and alcohol.
- Manage any anxiety and stress.
4.2. Next Step
The next step that the doctor may suggest is to take over-the-counter medications. These medications may include:
- Antacids: Tums, Rolaids, Mylanta
- Oral suspensions: Pepto-Bismol, Carafate
- Gas-busters: Phazyme, Gas-X, Beano
- H2 receptor blockers: Cimetidine (Tagamet HB), famotidine (Pepcid AC), or nizatidine (Axid AR)
- Proton pump inhibitors, including Lansoprazole (Prevacid 24 HR), omeprazole (Prilosec OTC, Zegerid OTC)
Stronger treatments for abdominal discomfort may be required depending on your diagnosis. The doctor may prescribe stronger medications if heaviness in the stomach is a symptom of a more serious condition. For example, for GERD, the doctor may recommend an H2 receptor blocker or proton pump inhibitor. The doctor may also recommend medications like baclofen to strengthen your lower esophageal sphincter. The doctor may also recommend surgery to improve the condition.
5. Natural Treatments for heaviness in the stomach
Some natural alternatives that may help relieve stomach heaviness, include:
- Apple cider vinegar
- Baking soda
- Chamomile
- Ginger
- Peppermint
As with any home remedy, discuss to the doctor about the natural alternatives listed above. They can ensure that they will not interfere with any medications you are taking or worsen any other medical conditions you may have during treatment.
If your condition does not improve after applying remedial measures, it is essential to visit a medical facility for an examination and necessary tests to find the cause and get specific treatment.
To arrange an appointment, please call HOTLINE or make your reservation directly HERE. You may also download the MyVinmec app to schedule appointments faster and manage your reservations more conveniently.
Reference source: healthline.com
