Heartburn and indigestion are often mistaken as the same thing. However, they are not. While indigestion is a problem that is caused when you eat something that does not suit your stomach, heartburn is an indication that indigestion is about to follow. If you want to treat the ailment, you have to understand that heartburn and indigestion are two different things and one may not necessarily follow the other.
The symptoms of heartburn include a burning sensation in the stomach, throat and a sour taste in the mouth; it may or may not be characterized by belching and nausea. The symptoms of indigestion may or may not include heartburn and indigestion will include bloating of the stomach, pain in the lower abdomen, nausea and bloating of the stomach.
However, for people who do not care about their diet and are used to eat meals that are bad for their health, they will probably notice the occurrence of both heartburn and indigestion together. The sad thing is that heartburn usually happens at night and if it is followed by indigestion, one may lose a good night’s rest and lead to have a bad day at office the next.
When one is suffering from a digestive problem that can lead to the restlessness that heartburn and indigestion causes, it is imperative to get yourself checked up by a doctor who can help you and prescribe drugs to alleviate the pain. One cannot rely on drugs forever and no matter how many medicines one takes, the problems will resurface if lifestyle changes are not made.
Heartburn and indigestion can be avoided and it is only in your hands to take care of yourself. Your doctor can provide you with medicines that will give you temporary relief, but if you go on to consume caffeinated beverages, carbonated drinks, meat and greasy food, you are indeed asking for punishment.