Acid reflux and indigestion: what is the difference?

Acid reflux is the upward movement of stomach contents into the oesophagus. It may cause heartburn, a sour taste, or fluid rising into the throat. Indigestion, also called dyspepsia, usually refers to pain or burning in the upper abdomen, uncomfortable fullness after eating, early fullness, nausea, or belching. A person can experience both patterns together. Their triggers and treatments may overlap, yet persistent symptoms can also reflect medicines or another digestive condition.

Choose smaller meals, eat without rushing, and remain upright after food. Keep a short record of symptoms, meal size, particular foods or drinks, stress, and medicines; this is more useful than avoiding a long list of foods without a clear pattern. Smoking and alcohol can aggravate upper digestive symptoms. Ask a pharmacist about a suitable short-term remedy and explain your other conditions, pregnancy status, and medicines. Repeatedly masking pain without assessment can delay recognition of its cause.

Get emergency help for heavy, crushing, severe, or persistent chest discomfort, particularly with breathlessness, sweating, faintness, or pain spreading to the arm, jaw, shoulder, or back. Seek prompt medical review for difficulty or pain with swallowing, food sticking, repeated vomiting, blood in vomit, black stools, marked upper abdominal pain, anaemia, or weight loss without trying. Book a routine assessment when symptoms recur, change noticeably, disturb sleep, or continue despite sensible self-care.

Explain whether discomfort is behind the breastbone or in the upper abdomen, when it appears, and whether you have regurgitation, early fullness, nausea, bloating, or swallowing trouble. Ask if a current medicine could irritate the digestive tract, whether a treatment trial is suitable, and what would prompt testing. Mention a family history of upper digestive disease, previous ulcers, and any change in bowel motions or appetite.