What should you know about functional indigestion?

Symptoms can include early fullness while eating, uncomfortable fullness after a meal, burning, nausea, belching, or pain below the breastbone. The stomach and gut can become more sensitive to stretching, and movement of food may be altered. Stress can amplify symptoms without making them imaginary. Other conditions, including Acid Reflux, Gastritis, Helicobacter Pylori Infection, Peptic Ulcer, Gallstones, or Hiatus Hernia, may produce similar complaints and sometimes need separate testing.

Keep a short food and symptom diary, eat slowly, and try smaller meals if large portions trigger discomfort. Limit personal triggers such as rich foods, alcohol, caffeine, or late meals. Avoid smoking and review medicines that can irritate the stomach with a clinician rather than stopping prescribed treatment yourself. A clinician may discuss testing, Acid Reflux Medication, or treatment aimed at gut sensitivity.

Seek medical care for vomiting that does not settle, black stools, blood in vomit, trouble swallowing, persistent fever, severe or worsening pain, or unexplained weight loss. Chest pressure, breathlessness, sweating, or pain spreading to the arm or jaw needs urgent assessment because it may not be indigestion. Arrange a routine review when symptoms persist, recur frequently, or interfere with eating or sleep.

Ask whether your symptoms need testing for Helicobacter Pylori Infection or another cause, which medicines may worsen them, and what changes should be tried first. Ask how long to continue a treatment and when symptoms should be reassessed.