Covid indigestion: what should you know?

Indigestion can feel like upper-abdominal discomfort, early fullness, bloating, belching, nausea, or burning after meals. During an infection, appetite, meal timing and activity can change; dehydration and some medicines can also upset the stomach. Indigestion after COVID-19 does not by itself identify the cause. Acid reflux, gastritis, gallstones, hiatus hernia, peptic ulcer, or Helicobacter pylori infection may need consideration when symptoms continue or recur.

Notice whether symptoms follow meals, lying down, a new medicine, or particular foods. Record vomiting, black stools, trouble swallowing, weight change, and the location of pain.

Choose smaller, simpler meals and eat slowly. Sip fluids regularly if you can keep them down, avoid lying flat soon after eating, and limit foods or drinks that clearly trigger burning or bloating. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without advice; ask a pharmacist or clinician whether a medicine could be irritating your stomach. An assessment can match treatment to the cause, including appropriate Acid Reflux Medication when reflux is suspected.

Seek urgent medical help for severe or worsening abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, vomit containing blood, black stools, fainting, chest pressure, or difficulty breathing. Arrange a GP consultation if indigestion lasts beyond the illness, keeps returning, interferes with eating or sleep, or comes with trouble swallowing, persistent vomiting, or unexplained weight loss.

Could my symptoms be reflux, gastritis, gallstones, an ulcer, or a medicine effect? Which warning signs should prompt urgent help? Do I need an examination or testing if this continues?