What Causes Indigestion?

Indigestion, also called dyspepsia, describes discomfort in the upper abdomen rather than one single disease. Acid moving upward can cause burning or an unpleasant taste, as in acid reflux. Irritation of the stomach lining may occur with gastritis. A peptic ulcer or Helicobacter pylori infection can also disturb the upper digestive tract. Less commonly, gallstones or a hiatus hernia may contribute to upper abdominal discomfort, nausea, bloating, or early fullness.

Food and habits can add to symptoms. Large or fatty meals, eating quickly, alcohol, smoking, stress, and lying down soon after eating may make discomfort more noticeable. Some medicines, including anti-inflammatory pain medicines, can irritate the stomach. The cause is not always clear, and symptoms can have more than one trigger.

Keep a short record of meals, drinks, medicines, timing, and symptoms. Try smaller meals, eat slowly, and avoid lying down soon after eating. Reduce a food or drink only if you notice a consistent link, so your diet does not become unnecessarily restricted. A pharmacist or clinician can advise whether an antacid or acid reflux medication is suitable and whether a medicine you take could be contributing. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without guidance.

Arrange a medical assessment if indigestion keeps returning, lasts despite self-care, or comes with repeated vomiting, difficulty swallowing, unintentional weight loss, or marked tiredness. Seek urgent help for severe or persistent chest or upper-abdominal pain, vomiting blood, black stools, fainting, or trouble breathing. These symptoms need assessment because indigestion-like discomfort can sometimes have a cause outside the stomach.

Ask: Could my symptoms be related to reflux, gastritis, an ulcer, gallstones, or Helicobacter pylori? Could any of my medicines be irritating my stomach? Do I need testing, a medication review, or a change in eating habits? Which warning signs should prompt urgent care?