What should you know about indigestion?

The medical term is dyspepsia. It describes a group of symptoms rather than one single disease. Symptoms can happen after eating, but they may also occur at other times. Indigestion can be occasional or keep returning.

Indigestion may reflect irritation of the stomach lining, changes in how the stomach empties, or acid moving into the oesophagus. It can also occur with acid reflux, gastritis, a hiatus hernia, gallstones, a peptic ulcer, or Helicobacter pylori infection. These conditions can present with indigestion; having indigestion alone does not identify which cause is responsible.

Large or rich meals, eating quickly, alcohol, smoking, stress, and some medicines such as anti-inflammatory painkillers may trigger symptoms. A clinician may ask about the timing of symptoms, foods, medicines, bowel changes, and unintentional weight change before deciding whether tests are useful.

Try smaller meals, eat slowly, and stay upright after eating. Notice whether particular foods or drinks bring symptoms on, and keep a brief food-and-symptom record. Limiting alcohol, avoiding smoking, and allowing time for relaxation may also help.

Do not stop a prescribed medicine without advice. If symptoms seem linked to a medicine, ask a pharmacist or clinician about safer options. An acid reflux medication may be appropriate for some people, depending on the symptoms and medical history.

Seek urgent medical help for severe or persistent chest pain, especially with breathlessness, sweating, faintness, or pain spreading to the arm, jaw, or back. Get prompt assessment for vomiting blood, black stools, trouble swallowing, repeated vomiting, severe abdominal pain, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Arrange a medical review if indigestion keeps returning, is getting worse, affects eating or sleep, or comes with unexplained weight loss, anaemia symptoms, or a new change in bowel habits. A clinician can distinguish digestive symptoms from conditions that need different treatment.

Ask what may be triggering your symptoms, whether any current medicine could be contributing, and whether testing for Helicobacter pylori or another digestive condition is appropriate. You can also ask how long to try self-care and which warning signs should prompt earlier review.