Quick answer
What is indigestion?
Indigestion is discomfort or a burning feeling in the upper tummy, often after eating. It is very common and usually linked to food, drink or eating habits. Simple changes and pharmacy remedies such as antacids often help, but indigestion that is frequent or persistent should be checked by a GP.
What is indigestion?
Indigestion, sometimes called dyspepsia, is a general term for discomfort or pain in the upper part of your tummy. It usually happens after eating or drinking. It is very common and most of the time is nothing serious, although it can be uncomfortable and occasionally a sign of another condition.
Symptoms
Indigestion can cause:
- a burning feeling or pain in the upper tummy or chest (heartburn)
- feeling full or bloated
- feeling sick
- bringing up a bitter or sour taste
- burping
Symptoms are often brought on or made worse by eating.
What causes it
Indigestion is frequently linked to food and lifestyle — large or rich meals, eating quickly, alcohol, caffeine, smoking and stress can all play a part. Some medicines can irritate the stomach, and sometimes indigestion is caused by an underlying problem such as acid reflux, a stomach ulcer or, less often, other conditions.
Treatment and self-help
Many people manage indigestion with simple changes: eat smaller meals, slow down, avoid eating late at night, cut back on alcohol and caffeine, and stop smoking. Losing excess weight can also help.
For quick relief, a pharmacist can recommend antacids, which neutralise stomach acid, or other medicines that reduce how much acid the stomach makes.
When to see a GP
See a GP if indigestion keeps coming back, does not improve with pharmacy treatment, or comes with warning signs such as difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss or vomiting. Always treat sudden, severe chest pain as a possible emergency.
Common questions
- What is the difference between indigestion and heartburn?
- Indigestion is a general term for discomfort in the upper tummy, often after eating. Heartburn — a burning feeling rising from the chest — is one possible symptom of indigestion, caused by stomach acid travelling upwards.
- What causes indigestion?
- Common causes include eating large or fatty meals, eating too quickly, alcohol, caffeine, smoking, stress and certain medicines. Sometimes it is linked to an underlying condition such as acid reflux or a stomach ulcer.
- How do I get rid of indigestion?
- Eating smaller meals, avoiding triggers, not lying down soon after eating and reducing alcohol and caffeine can help. A pharmacist can recommend antacids or other medicines for quick relief.
- When should I worry about indigestion?
- See a GP if it is frequent, persistent, or comes with difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss or vomiting. Sudden chest pain should be treated as a possible emergency.