Symptoms

Various kinds of pain in the region of the stomach, which occur soon after meals. These pains are also sometimes felt between the shoulders and in the back, flatulency causing some distension of the bowels; pain that is called "heartburn," nausea, and sometimes vomiting, headache, disturbed sleep, palpitation of the heart, and other sympathetic inconveniences, also occur.

Among the chief causes of this disorder of the stomach is the abuse of stimulating liquors, or of narcotics such as tobacco and opium, the use of too highly seasoned or rich food, sedentary habits, and want of proper exercise. Mere weakness of the system, in which the stomach will partake, is often a cause of indigestion.

Treatment

The main object in the treatment of indigestion is to find out what is the cause of the disorder. This being done, care should be taken to avoid those causes, as above-named. Urgent symptoms, such as acrid eructations, heartburn, flatulency, and pain, may be relieved by bicarbo-note of soda, or potash, or by carbonate of magnesia, e.g.: -

Bica rbonate of soda, 120 grs.

Tincture of rhubarb, 3 drms.

Peppermint water, 3 oz.

Infusion of gentian, to make 6 oz. Mix. One tablespoonful after every meal, or two tablespoonfuls morning and evening, will probably prove curative.

The diet should consist of light and easily-digested substances. Care should be taken to avoid those articles which experience has shown the sufferer to be excitants of indigestion.