Indigestion medicine and pH

Stomach acid supports digestion, but acid moving into the oesophagus can cause burning and a sour taste. Antacids neutralise acid for a limited period; other medicines reduce acid production. Fullness, bloating, nausea or upper-abdominal pain may continue even when acidity is not the main driver. Acid reflux, gastritis, a peptic ulcer, Helicobacter pylori infection, a hiatus hernia and gallstones require different clinical consideration. A symptom response does not establish a diagnosis.

Describe whether your main problem is burning, regurgitation, pain, fullness or nausea. A pharmacist can check whether an acid-focused product is appropriate and whether it conflicts with your regular medicines. Avoid changing doses to chase a particular acidity level. Smaller meals, slower eating and remaining upright after food may help reflux-type symptoms. Keep a symptom and medicine record if episodes return.

Seek urgent care for chest pressure, difficulty breathing, vomiting blood, black stools, fainting, severe pain or inability to keep fluids down. Arrange an appointment for persistent symptoms, repeated need for medicine, trouble swallowing, ongoing vomiting or unexplained weight loss.

Ask whether acid is likely to be contributing, how long treatment should continue, and whether another cause needs testing if symptoms do not settle.