Indigestion

Indigestion, also called dyspepsia, is a group of upper gastrointestinal symptoms that occur together, including discomfort or burning in the upper abdomen, early or prolonged fullness, bloating, nausea and belching. Most people experience it at some point, and pregnant women often do; it may be occasional or chronic. Common causes include acid reflux irritating the stomach lining or throat, large or fatty meals, coffee, alcohol, smoking, stress, being overweight and anti-inflammatory painkillers. Peptic ulcer, hiatus hernia and functional dyspepsia are other causes, and stomach cancer is a rarer one. Difficulty swallowing, repeated vomiting, weight loss, anaemia and bloody vomit or stool are warning features. Clinicians judge the cause from symptoms, history and examination, and may add endoscopy, imaging or testing for Helicobacter pylori. Treatment follows the cause: diet and lifestyle changes, antacids, alginates or acid-suppressing medicines, and sometimes mental health therapies.

Seek urgent care for vomiting blood, black or bloody stools, severe abdominal pain, or difficulty swallowing. See a doctor for heartburn more than twice a week, a change in bowel habit lasting more than three weeks, or unexplained weight loss. Call the local emergency number for any symptom that is sudden and severe. This page is a reference for healthcare professionals and does not replace an assessment.