Indigestion (also known as dyspepsia) is used to describe pain and discomfort in your stomach or upper chest which can often be triggered by eating or drinking.
As well as stomach pain and heartburn, indigestion symptoms include:
Most people have bouts of indigestion from time to time, especially pregnant women.
Usually, you can relieve symptoms on your own. However, if you often get indigestion and it’s very painful, it could be a sign you have an underlying medical condition.
Indigestion or dyspepsia often occurs after eating too much or too fast. Indigestion can also be caused, or made worse, by:
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However, frequent indigestion can be a sign of an underlying condition, including:
See your GP if indigestion is causing you problems, such as frequent, very painful indigestion symptoms – especially if you’re over 55.
Your GP will discuss your symptoms with you and may examine your abdomen.
Depending on your symptoms and their severity, your GP may refer you for tests, such as:
If the results are inconclusive, your GP may refer you for further tests or to a gastroenterologist, a consultant specialising in the digestive system.
Lifestyle
Certain lifestyle changes can provide indigestion relief. Try to:
Medication
You may find that taking over-the-counter indigestion remedies brings relief, such as antacids.
Your GP can also prescribe stronger antacids or:
If you’re taking a medicine which can cause indigestion, your GP may change your medication or alter the dosage.
Other medications and treatment options are available if your indigestion is found to be due to an underlying cause, such as a stomach ulcer or GORD.