What should you know about constant indigestion and gas?

Indigestion may cause upper-abdominal discomfort, early fullness, burping, nausea, or burning. Gas can come from swallowed air or fermentation of foods in the bowel. Reflux, gastritis, a hiatus hernia, gallstones, a peptic ulcer, or Helicobacter pylori infection can also cause digestive symptoms. The symptom pattern matters: pain after meals, sour fluid, vomiting, black stools, or pain under the ribs gives a clinician useful clues. Indigestion does not identify one condition on its own.

Keep a brief food and symptom diary, eat slowly, choose smaller meals, and reduce fizzy drinks if they worsen bloating. Avoid lying down soon after eating and note whether fatty, spicy, or acidic foods trigger discomfort. A pharmacist or clinician can advise whether an antacid or other reflux medicine is suitable, especially if you take regular medicines or have other illnesses. Persistent symptoms deserve a review rather than repeated self-treatment.

Get urgent help for severe or sudden abdominal pain, chest pressure, vomiting blood, black stools, fainting, or repeated vomiting. Arrange prompt assessment for difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, yellowing of the skin or eyes, persistent fever, or symptoms that steadily worsen. New, ongoing indigestion should be discussed with a clinician, who may examine your abdomen and consider testing.

Ask whether your pattern fits reflux, stomach inflammation, an ulcer, gallbladder disease, or infection; whether testing is needed; and which foods or medicines may be contributing. Tell them about pain location, bowel changes, vomiting, alcohol, smoking, anti-inflammatory medicines, and any family history of digestive disease.