What is Indigestion?

Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, happens to most people sometimes. It can make your stomach feel uncomfortable or too full.

When it's severe, it can cause:

Heartburn
Bloating
Nausea
Vomiting

When your stomach feels uncomfortable after eating, it might be a sign of a bigger issue like GERD, ulcers, or problems with your gallbladder rather than just a stomach problem on its own.

Sometimes, people call this feeling 'dyspepsia.' It's like a pain or discomfort in the upper part of your belly, which can sometimes feel like heartburn.

But heartburn is a different kind of pain that makes your upper chest hurt. Almost everyone gets heartburn sometimes. Bad eating habits or ongoing stomach problems can cause indigestion.

Indigestion Symptoms

Most experts tend to agree on the symptoms of indigestion, which are:

Bloating
Belching and gas
Nausea and vomiting
An acidic taste in your mouth
Fullness during or after a meal
Growling stomach
Burning in your stomach or upper belly
Belly pain

What Causes Indigestion?

There are many possible causes of indigestion. These may vary from what you eat and how you live to the effects of medicines and even serious health issues.

Ulcers
GERD
Gastroparesis
Stomach infections
Irritable bowel syndrome
Pancreatitis, an inflamed pancreas
Thyroid disease

How to Diagnose Indigestion?

Your doctor will likely begin by asking about your medical history and diet. They'll also do a physical exam. Sometimes, they might suggest X-rays to look for issues in your stomach or take samples to check for bacteria that can cause ulcers. If needed, they might do an endoscopy to check your upper digestive tract.

During an endoscopy, a small tube with a camera is inserted into your oesophagus and stomach to check for any issues in the lining of your digestive tract. Tissue samples may also be collected. You'll receive light sedation for comfort during this procedure.

The following conditions can be diagnosed with an upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy:

Reflux esophagitis
Ulcers
Inflammatory diseases
Infection cancer

What is the Treatment for Indigestion?

To help ease indigestion, your healthcare provider may suggest the following indigestion treatment options:

Avoiding foods that make your indigestion worse.
Eating smaller meals throughout the day instead of three big ones.
Cutting down on or stopping alcohol and caffeine.
Steering clear of certain pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), and naproxen sodium (Aleve).
Finding other medicines if the ones you're taking cause indigestion.
Managing stress and anxiety.

If your indigestion doesn't improve, medications might help. The first choice is usually nonprescription antacids. Other options include:

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can lower stomach acid. If you also have heartburn, PPIs might be suggested.
H-2-receptor blockers also lower stomach acid.
Prokinetics, which can help if your stomach takes a long time to empty.
Antibiotics can treat indigestion caused by H. pylori bacteria.
Antidepressants or anti-anxiety meds might reduce discomfort from indigestion by making you feel less pain.

Risks Factors of indigestion:

Indigestion affects both men and women of all ages. It is extremely common. A person's risk increases with:

Excess alcohol consumption
Use of medicines that can irritate the stomach, such as aspirin and other pain relievers.
Conditions in which the digestive tract is abnormal, such as an ulcer
Emotional problems, such as anxiety or depression.

When to See Doctor?

Because indigestion can be a sign of a more serious health problem, it's important to inform your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms:

Vomiting or blood in your vomit.
Weight loss you can’t explain.
Loss of appetite
Stools that are bloody, black, or tarry
Severe pain in your upper-right belly
Pain in the upper- or lower-right parts of your belly
Feeling uncomfortable even if you haven’t eaten

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Frequently Asked Questions

You might feel mild to muscular pain in the area between your breastbone and bellybutton, a burning sensation in the upper abdomen, or bloating there.

Indigestion is a chronic condition that can last for years. It shows periodicity, with symptoms varying in frequency and severity over time.

Mild indigestion usually isn't concerning. Consult your doctor if discomfort persists for more than two weeks. Seek immediate medical attention if pain is severe or accompanied by unintentional weight loss or loss of appetite.

Indigestion occurs when stomach acid irritates the protective lining of the digestive system (mucosa), leading to inflammation and discomfort.

Drinking warm water can aid digestion by helping to break down food and energizing the digestive system. It may provide relief for stomach-related issues like constipation, heartburn, or colds.

Indigestion can last a few hours to a day, depending on the cause and severity. It usually improves with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications.

Foods like ginger, bananas, yogurt, and plain rice can help soothe the stomach and relieve indigestion symptoms.

Light exercise like walking or gentle yoga can help improve digestion and reduce symptoms of indigestion by promoting better blood flow and digestion.

Yes, stress and anxiety can trigger indigestion by affecting the way the stomach processes food and increasing stomach acid production.