Stomach heaviness: What you need to know

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor I Vo Thi Thuy Trang - Digestive Endoscopy Doctor - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Da Nang International Hospital
Heaviness in the stomach often causes discomfort after eating a meal or a certain type of food. Typical signs of heaviness in the abdomen can include: acid reflux, bad breath, belching... This article will provide essential information about heaviness symptoms as well as treatment to help minimize this condition. .

1. What is abdominal heaviness?

The feeling of fullness used to signal satisfaction usually occurs after finishing a large meal. But if that feeling becomes physically uncomfortable and lasts longer after eating than usual, you may have what many people call heaviness.

2. Symptoms of abdominal heaviness

Signs and symptoms of heaviness vary from person to person. And these symptoms usually include:
Acid Reflux Bad breath Bloating Ợ gas Heartburn Nausea Sluggish Stomach upset Stomach upset Stomach upset If you experience one of the symptoms listed above and the condition may persist If it lasts a few days, you should make an appointment with your doctor for an examination and consultation. Your doctor will help you diagnose the underlying cause. In the event of some serious symptoms you should be taken to the emergency room immediately:
Difficulty breathing or swallowing Blood Blood in your stool High fever Chest tightness

3. Potential causes of abdominal heaviness

The cause of your belly is often caused by your eating habits, such as:
Eating too much Eating too fast Eating too often Eating foods that contain too much fat or spices Eat foods indigestion Sometimes a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen is also seen as a sign of a symptom of an underlying condition, such as:
Food allergy Indigestion Gastritis Intermittent hernia Pancreatitis Reflux Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Esophagitis Gastric ulcer

4. Treatment of abdominal heaviness

To perform appropriate diagnosis and treatment of symptoms of abdominal bloating. Then you need the help of your doctor to find out the specific cause of this symptom. Steps that can be used to treat abdominal heaviness include:
4.1. The first step your doctor may recommend is to change specific aspects of your lifestyle. Specific lifestyles may include the following:
Avoid or limit the use of greasy, spicy and difficult to digest foods in your daily diet. Change your eating habits. Eat slower and eat smaller meals. Increase how often you exercise. Reduce or eliminate caffeine and alcohol. Manage all worries and stress. 4.2. Next Step The next step your doctor may suggest taking an over-the-counter medication. These medications may include:
Antacids: Tums, Rolaids, Mylanta Oral suspension: Pepto-Bismol, Carafate Anti-flatulence products: 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) Egg treatments Stronger abdominal heaviness may be required depending on your diagnosis. Your doctor may prescribe stronger medications if your stomach upset is a symptom of a more serious condition. For example, for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), your doctor may recommend a prescription for an H2-receptor blocker or a proton-pump inhibitor. In addition, your doctor may also recommend medication such as baclofen to strengthen your lower esophageal sphincter. Your doctor may also recommend surgery to improve the condition.

5. Natural treatment for severe stomach problems

Some natural alternatives that can ease an upset stomach include:
Apple cider vinegar Baking soda Chamomile Ginger Mint As with any home treatment, talk to your doctor. your doctor about the natural alternatives listed above. Doctors can make sure it won't affect any medications you're currently taking or worsen any other medical conditions you may have during treatment.
After taking measures to overcome but the condition does not improve, it is necessary to go to a medical facility for examination and necessary tests to find out the cause and have specific treatment methods.
Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the hospitals that not only ensures professional quality with a team of doctors, modern equipment and technology, but also stands out for its examination, consulting and service services. comprehensive and professional medical treatment; civilized, polite, safe and sterile medical examination and treatment space.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Reference source: healthline.com