What should you know about gastro indigestion?

Indigestion is a group of symptoms rather than one single disease. You may notice discomfort after eating, an unpleasant early fullness, bloating, burping, nausea or a sour taste. Acid reflux, irritation of the stomach lining, Helicobacter pylori infection, a peptic ulcer, gallstones or a hiatus hernia can be associated with these symptoms, although indigestion can also occur without an obvious structural cause.

Try smaller meals, eat slowly and stay upright after eating. Notice whether rich, spicy or late meals, alcohol, caffeine or smoking trigger symptoms, then reduce the triggers that affect you. Avoid taking anti-inflammatory pain medicines without checking whether they are suitable, because they can irritate the stomach. A pharmacist can explain whether an antacid or acid-reducing treatment is appropriate; do not keep treating recurring symptoms without arranging a clinical review.

Arrange medical advice if indigestion keeps returning, changes suddenly or does not settle with sensible self-care. Seek urgent help for vomiting blood, black stools, severe or worsening abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, difficulty swallowing, faintness, or chest discomfort with sweating or breathlessness. Unintentional weight loss or marked loss of appetite also deserves prompt assessment.

Ask what might be contributing to your symptoms, whether testing for Helicobacter pylori is useful, and which medicines could be irritating your stomach. Take a note of meal triggers, symptom timing, swallowing changes, vomiting and every medicine or supplement you use.