First aid for indigestion

Indigestion, also called dyspepsia, is discomfort in the upper abdomen that may include fullness, burning, belching, nausea or early discomfort after eating. Large meals, rich or spicy foods, alcohol, smoking and some medicines can aggravate it. Indigestion can occur with acid reflux, gastritis or a hiatus hernia, but the symptom alone does not identify one cause.

Gallstones, peptic ulcer disease and Helicobacter Pylori infection are among conditions a clinician may consider when symptoms persist, recur or have a distinctive pattern.

Remain upright after eating and take a gentle walk if it feels comfortable. Choose a smaller, plain meal later and notice whether a particular food or drink triggers symptoms. Avoid lying down soon after food. A pharmacist can advise whether an antacid or acid reflux medication is suitable, especially if you take regular medicines, are pregnant or have kidney or heart problems. Follow the product directions and do not keep self-treating recurring symptoms without review.

Get emergency help for chest pressure, pain spreading to the arm or jaw, severe breathlessness, fainting, vomiting blood or black stools. Arrange prompt medical review for persistent vomiting, difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, yellowing of the skin, severe pain or symptoms that repeatedly disturb sleep. These features need assessment because indigestion-like discomfort can overlap with problems outside the stomach.

Ask which triggers or medicines may be contributing, whether testing is needed for Helicobacter Pylori infection, and how long it is safe to use an acid-suppressing treatment.