Frequent indigestion and gas: what to know

Indigestion can feel like upper-abdominal discomfort, early fullness, bloating, burning, belching, or nausea. Gas may result from swallowed air or fermentation of foods in the bowel. Eating quickly, fizzy drinks, large meals, constipation, and sensitivity to particular foods can contribute. Acid reflux, gastritis, a peptic ulcer, Helicobacter pylori infection, hiatus hernia, or gallstones are other possibilities; the pattern and associated symptoms help distinguish them.

Keep a brief food-and-symptom diary and note meal size, timing, bowel habits, medicines, and stress. Try slower eating, smaller meals, careful chewing, and reducing fizzy drinks or foods that repeatedly trigger symptoms. Avoid lying down soon after eating and ask a pharmacist before using an antacid or acid reflux medication, especially if you take other medicines or are pregnant. Do not stop prescribed medicines without advice.

Arrange a GP consultation if symptoms keep returning, interfere with eating or sleep, or change from your usual pattern. Seek urgent help for severe or worsening abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, vomiting blood, black stools, trouble swallowing, faintness, chest pain, yellowing of the skin, or unexplained weight loss. These signs can need prompt examination rather than home treatment.

Ask whether your symptoms fit indigestion, reflux, or another condition; whether testing for Helicobacter pylori is appropriate; and which medicines, foods, or bowel changes might be contributing. Take your symptom diary and a list of medicines to the appointment.