Indigestion

What is Indigestion?

Indigestion, or dyspepsia, refers to a group of symptoms that cause discomfort in your upper abdomen. It's not a disease itself, but rather a sign of underlying issues such as gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), gastritis, or food intolerances. Nearly everyone experiences indigestion at some point, often triggered by eating habits or stress.

While occasional indigestion is usually not a cause for concern, persistent symptoms may require medical evaluation to rule out more serious conditions.

What Causes Indigestion?

Indigestion can stem from a variety of lifestyle and medical factors:

• Overeating or eating too quickly
• Fatty, greasy or spicy foods
• Excessive caffeine, alcohol or carbonated beverages
• Smoking or chewing tobacco
• Stress or anxiety 
• Medications such as NSAIDs, antibiotics and iron supplements
• Medical conditions, including GERD, ulcers, gastritis or gallstones
  
  

Functional dyspepsia—indigestion without a clear cause—is also common and may be related to gut-brain interaction disorders.

Symptoms of indigestion vary from person to person but often include:

• A sensation of being overly full while eating or shortly after finishing a meal
• Upper abdominal pain or burning
• Bloating or excessive gas
• Nausea or burping
• A sour taste in the mouth
• Mild chest discomfort (not related to the heart)
  
  

When to See a Health Care Provider

Seek medical attention if you experience:

• Frequent indigestion (more than twice a week)
• Unintentional weight loss
• Difficulty swallowing
• Vomiting or blood in stool
• Persistent fatigue

Your health care provider may use the following to diagnose indigestion:

• Medical history and physical exam
  
• Blood tests to check for infection or anemia
• Upper endoscopy to examine the esophagus, stomach and small intestine
• Ultrasound or imaging to check for gallstones or liver issues
• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) testing, a common cause of ulcers

Managing indigestion often involves a combination of lifestyle changes and medical treatments:

Lifestyle and Diet Adjustments

• Eat smaller, slower meals
• Avoid lying down immediately after eating
• Limit trigger foods (spicy, fried, acidic)
• Reduce alcohol and caffeine intake
• Quit smoking
• Manage stress through mindfulness or therapy
  
  

Over-the-Counter Medications

• Antacids (Tums, Rolaids) neutralize stomach acid
• H2 blockers (Pepcid, Tagamet) reduce acid production
• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole help heal the stomach lining
  
  

Prescription Treatments

If OTC options don’t work, doctors may prescribe stronger acid reducers or medications to improve gut motility. Treating underlying conditions like H. pylori infection or GERD may also be necessary.

Preventing indigestion involves mindful eating and healthy habits:

• Eat slowly and chew thoroughly
• Don’t eat late at night
• Stay upright for at least an hour after meals
• Keep a food diary to identify triggers
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Exercise regularly
• Drink water throughout the day

Indigestion is a common but manageable condition. Understanding its causes and recognizing symptoms early can help you take effective steps toward relief. Whether it's avoiding certain foods or seeking medical care, there's a path to feeling better.

If indigestion frequently disrupts your life, talk to your primary care provider for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

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If you’re wondering where the best place is to get care, please see our guide below:

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