Examine the stomach with an instrument called the gastro scope
Such tests, and others that sometimes may be needed,
are well worthwhile. Almost every disturbance of the gastrointestinal tract that
makes itself known by indigestion can be helped if identified in time. It is
reassuring to know that tumors are rather rare causes of the tremendous number
of cases of chronic indigestion. On the other hand, a disease can progress to a
serious, even fatal stage while you are engaged in "treating" your
indigestion-for example, if you take a cathartic for indigestion which is
caused by appendicitis.
Let your physician decide whether or not you should
take any medicine. Realistically, we know that few people will consult a
physician for every mild stomach upset.
If it is, indeed, only a mild upset, we recommend one
of the following remedies: a level teaspoonful of bicarbonate of soda in water
or, if you prefer, in fruit juice; or 10 to 20 drops of essence of peppermint
taken either on a lump of sugar or in a teaspoonful of sugar, and chewed slowly;
or a teaspoonful or two of iced creme de men the, or other liqueur or brandy,
sipped slowly; or a little wine such as sherry.
For nausea or cramping,
tincture of belladonna is helpful. Adults require 15 to 20 drops in water. Each
person must find his proper dosage. Usually, an effective amount will cause
some dryness of the mouth or slight blurring of vision. The dosage can be
repeated in four to six hours. For more intense abdominal cramps, one to two
teaspoonsful of paregoric may be used (see Appendicitis, page 531).
Lomotil,
two tablets four times a day, is prescribed by many physicians for tourist
cramps and other gastrointestinal complaints. A persistent "nervous"
stomach may be helped by mild sedatives such as phenobarbital, especially if given
in combination with tincture of belladonna. However, this medication should be
prescribed only by a physician. Aspirin, taken for headache, cold, or
rheumatism, sometimes produces stomach distress.
