How is indigestion treated?

Indigestion, also called dyspepsia, can cause upper-abdominal discomfort, early fullness, bloating, nausea, or burning after eating. Smaller meals, slower eating, and avoiding foods or drinks that reliably trigger symptoms may help. Common triggers include rich or fatty meals, alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods, although triggers differ between people.

A clinician may review medicines that irritate the stomach, such as some anti-inflammatory pain medicines. Ongoing symptoms can be related to acid reflux, gastritis, Helicobacter Pylori Infection, a peptic ulcer, gallstones, or a hiatus hernia. Treatment is then chosen for that condition rather than for indigestion alone.

Keep a brief food-and-symptom record, leave time between dinner and lying down, and avoid smoking. A pharmacist or doctor can advise whether an antacid, alginate, or acid-reducing medicine is suitable; follow the label and check before combining products. Acid Reflux Medication may be discussed when reflux-type burning is a prominent feature.

Arrange medical assessment if symptoms keep returning, interfere with eating or sleep, or do not settle with sensible self-care. Seek urgent help for severe or worsening pain, vomiting blood, black stools, trouble swallowing, repeated vomiting, fainting, or unexplained weight loss. Chest pressure or breathlessness needs urgent assessment because it may not be digestive.

Ask what may be triggering your symptoms, whether a medicine could be irritating your stomach, and whether testing for Helicobacter Pylori Infection or another cause is appropriate. Bring your symptom record and a list of medicines, including non-prescription products.