Indigestion and trapped wind: what to know

Indigestion is discomfort or burning in the upper abdomen, sometimes with early fullness, nausea or frequent burping. Trapped wind can add pressure, cramps and a visibly swollen feeling as gas moves through the digestive tract. Eating quickly, fizzy drinks, large meals, constipation and swallowing air can contribute. Acid reflux, gastritis or a hiatus hernia may also cause overlapping upper digestive symptoms; the symptom pattern alone cannot identify one condition.

Notice when symptoms begin, which foods or drinks preceded them, whether passing stool or gas helps, and whether the discomfort is central or more to one side. This information helps a clinician separate uncomplicated indigestion from problems such as gallstones, peptic ulcer disease or Helicobacter pylori infection.

Try smaller meals, eat slowly and chew thoroughly. Reduce fizzy drinks and foods that repeatedly trigger bloating, and take a gentle walk after eating. Avoid lying flat soon after a meal; loosen tight clothing around your abdomen and address constipation with fluids and gradual fibre if suitable for you.

A pharmacist can explain whether an antacid, an alginate or another product is appropriate, including possible interactions with your regular medicines. Acid reflux medication may be useful when heartburn or sour fluid is part of the pattern, but persistent or recurrent symptoms deserve assessment rather than repeated self-treatment.

Arrange medical advice if symptoms keep returning, interfere with sleep or eating, or do not settle with simple changes. Seek urgent help for severe or steadily worsening abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, black stools, blood in vomit, fainting, yellowing of the skin, chest pressure or trouble breathing. New symptoms with unexplained weight loss or difficulty swallowing also need prompt clinical review.

Could my medicines, constipation or reflux be contributing? Do I need testing for Helicobacter pylori or another cause? Which symptom-relief product is suitable with my health conditions and medicines? What changes should prompt urgent review?