In fact, it can be both. And, in general, whatever. Let's figure out when heaviness in the stomach is the norm, and when it is a dangerous symptom.
To simply "get acquainted" with such a condition, it is enough to overeat. Such a feeling of heaviness, for sure, will be accompanied by a desire to sleep. And, most importantly, it will pass without leaving a trace, within half an hour, maximum 40 minutes after eating. This is, in principle, normal. But the rest of the causes of heaviness in the stomach are not at all so harmless.
Problematic severity
To begin with, the heaviness, appearing in the stomach, manifests itself in different ways for each person. And if this severity is problematic, then it is usually accompanied by:
- heartburn;
- bloating in the abdomen;
- belching during and after eating;
- severe nausea;
- constant sleepiness;
- some lethargy;
- specific (unpleasant) odor from the mouth;
- "bursting" pain in the abdomen.
An indicator of "normality" in such situations is the fact that all the sensations and states described above pass a maximum of hour, and reappear only after the person has overeat again, and his stomach cannot quickly send everything eaten to intestines.
However, if the feeling of heaviness bothers for hours and / or constantly arises (with small portions of food), you need to urgently consult a gastroenterologist.
You should seek ambulance in cases when the appeared heaviness in the stomach is accompanied by:
- difficulty swallowing and / or breathing;
- severe vomiting, including blood;
- obvious blood in the stool (as well as black stools);
- increased body temperature (from 38 degrees and above);
- chest pain.
Causes (possible) of heaviness in the stomach
The causes of the heaviness felt in the stomach are most often the same:
- overeating;
- frequent consumption of food;
- the habit of absorbing food quickly, swallowing poorly chewed food along with the air;
- a tendency to fatty foods, as well as coolly seasoned with spices;
- a passion for poorly digestible foods (raw vegetables, tough meat, carbonated drinks, and caffeinated drinks).
However, sometimes the cause of heaviness in the stomach is a latent disease, including:
- allergies;
- gastritis;
- pancreatitis;
- GERD (abbreviation for reflux disease);
- hernia of the esophageal opening of the diaphragm;
- esophagitis;
- peptic ulcer;
- stomach cancer.
Weight in the stomach: how to get rid of it?
Getting rid of severity directly depends on the reason for it.
If you feel heaviness after eating, making adjustments to your lifestyle helps to eliminate the discomfort:
1. Eat in moderation, trying not to overeat.
2. Avoid fatty foods, as well as spicy and difficult to digest.
3. You need to eat slowly, carefully chewing everything that goes into your mouth.
4. It is necessary to increase physical activity: do fitness, for example (this will improve digestion).
5. Limit (or even exclude, which is preferable) carbonated drinks, any alcohol, and caffeinated drinks.
6. You should be less nervous, learn to cope with stress.
7. Drink water with lemon regularly (juice of one citrus fruit for half a glass of warm water), if there are no contraindications and after prior consultation with your doctor.
In general, if the heaviness in the stomach is a constant phenomenon, you need to make an appointment with a gastroenterologist. Pass tests (blood, urine, feces) and do an ultrasound of the abdominal organs. And, perhaps, go through a number of other studies. Depending on the results, the doctor will diagnose and prescribe an adequate treatment for the condition.
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