What should you know about indigestion in elderly?

Indigestion may feel like burning or discomfort in the upper abdomen, early fullness, bloating, belching, nausea, or food coming back up. In later life, a new pattern should not simply be attributed to age. Possible explanations include acid reflux, gastritis, a hiatus hernia, peptic ulcer, gallstones, or Helicobacter Pylori Infection. Some pain-relieving medicines and other prescriptions can irritate the stomach or alter digestion, so bring an up-to-date medicine list to an appointment. A symptom does not identify one cause by itself.

Older adults may also notice reduced appetite or unintended weight change alongside digestive symptoms. These changes make a clinical review more useful, especially if the discomfort keeps returning or differs from previous episodes.

Record when symptoms begin, what you ate, whether lying down worsens them, and any nausea, vomiting, bowel change, or appetite loss. Try smaller meals, eat slowly, and remain upright after eating. Avoid a personal trigger such as a large late meal, alcohol, or foods that repeatedly worsen symptoms. Do not stop prescribed medicines without advice; ask whether any could be irritating your stomach. A clinician may review your medicines and decide whether testing or treatment is appropriate. Learn more about [Indigestion](/symptoms/indigestion/) and [Acid Reflux Medication](/treatments/medical-management/acid-reflux-medication/).

Arrange medical advice promptly for indigestion that is new, persistent, worsening, or associated with appetite loss, weight loss, repeated vomiting, trouble swallowing, or marked tiredness. Seek urgent help for severe or sudden abdominal pain, vomiting blood, black stools, fainting, or chest pressure with breathlessness, sweating, or pain spreading to the arm or jaw. These warning signs need assessment rather than home treatment.

Ask what causes should be considered, whether a medicine could be contributing, and whether you need testing for an ulcer or Helicobacter Pylori Infection. Ask which treatments fit your other conditions and medicines, and what changes should prompt urgent review.