Daily Express Subscriber
Sign in to your account.

Kuala Lumpur: The frequent feasting during the upcoming festive season may increase the risk of dyspepsia or indigestion, as repeated heavy meals within short intervals can place significant strain on the upper digestive system.

Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV), in a statement today, said dyspepsia affects an estimated 15 to 25 per cent of Malaysians, making it one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints nationwide.

Dyspepsia refers to a group of upper gastrointestinal symptoms originating from the stomach or the proximal small intestine.

“It may occur without any structural abnormality, known as functional dyspepsia, or alongside conditions such as gastritis, peptic ulcer disease or gastroesophageal reflux disease,” the statement said. “Patients commonly experience upper abdominal bloating, early satiety, acid-related burning or discomfort in the upper abdomen, nausea and excessive belching.”

SMCV Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist Dr Deborah Chew Chia Hsin (inset) said festive periods frequently coincide with a rise in upper abdominal symptoms, noting that a noticeable increase in patients experiencing gastric issues is commonly observed during such celebrations.

“Many people attribute it to simple overeating, but symptoms that persist or recur may indicate an underlying condition that warrants evaluation,” she said.

She added that certain individuals were more vulnerable to experiencing dyspepsia, particularly during festive periods, including those with existing functional dyspepsia, gastritis, reflux disease, diabetic patients who can delay gastric emptying and those with anxiety, who may experience heightened perception of gastric discomfort.

Chew explained that repeated heavy meals over a short period placed cumulative strain on the stomach, especially when dishes were high in fat.

“Coconut milk-based dishes such as ‘rendang’ prolong the time food remains in the stomach, while large meal portions further increase intragastric pressure as the stomach expands, often resulting in bloating and a prolonged feeling of fullness,” she said.

She said sweet desserts and sugary beverages added to this digestive burden by increasing osmotic load, while carbonated drinks introduced excess gas that worsens distension. Spicy food contained compounds such as capsaicin that could trigger heat and pain receptors, particularly in sensitive individuals, according to her.

She advised waiting at least two to three hours after a heavy meal before lying down or going to bed, as lying down too soon could slow digestion and increase reflux of stomach contents into the oesophagus, which heightened burning, bloating, and discomfort.

Although festive-related indigestion was often temporary, it was important to distinguish normal digestive discomfort from symptoms that required medical attention.

Normal indigestion usually subsided within a few hours after a meal or with simple dietary adjustments.

Persistent symptoms that last beyond 2–3 weeks, progressively worsen, or were accompanied by warning signs such as unexplained weight loss, anaemia, black stools, persistent vomiting, or progressive difficulty swallowing, warrant medical evaluation.

Chew explained that in selected cases – where symptoms remain unexplained despite routine investigations such as clinical review, blood tests, Helicobacter pylori testing and upper endoscopy – doctors might recommend Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS).

“EUS essentially combines two technologies in a single instrument and is used to evaluate pancreatic masses, assessing bile duct abnormalities, and investigating unexplained thickening in the stomach wall. It also allows precise fine needle biopsies guided by ultrasound imaging,” she said.

Because of its ability to deliver detailed imaging and guide targeted tissue sampling, EUS was often recommended when symptoms persisted, but routine investigations remained inconclusive.

By providing a clearer view of deeper digestive structures, this advanced diagnostic technique helped doctors detect underlying conditions more accurately and determine the most appropriate next steps for patient care.

Once serious conditions were excluded, the treatment focused on relieving symptoms and improving gastric function. Medication might be prescribed to reduce acid-related irritation or support gastric motility, depending on the patient’s presentation.

Where an infection such as Helicobacter pylori was identified, targeted treatment was required. In most cases, however, symptoms improve with appropriate medical guidance and dietary adjustment.

Beyond medication, prevention remained the most effective strategy during festive periods. Chew advised practising portion control, pacing meals and allowing adequate time between heavy dishes.

Probiotics might benefit selected individuals, particularly those prone to bloating, by supporting gut balance during sudden dietary changes.

She emphasised that while festive indulgence was part of the celebration, awareness and moderation are what sustain long-term digestive comfort.