What should you know about intense indigestion?

Indigestion, also called dyspepsia, describes discomfort in the upper abdomen rather than a single diagnosis. It may feel like burning, pressure, bloating, early fullness, belching, or nausea. Reflux can bring acid or food upwards, while irritation of the stomach lining may cause soreness after meals. A hiatus hernia can contribute to reflux symptoms. Other possible causes include gallstones, a peptic ulcer, or Helicobacter pylori infection. These conditions can present with indigestion, but the symptom alone cannot identify the cause.

Notice when symptoms begin, their relationship to food, and whether they occur with weight loss, repeated vomiting, black stools, or trouble swallowing. That pattern helps a clinician decide whether examination or testing is needed.

Choose smaller meals, eat slowly, and remain upright after eating. Reduce foods and drinks that clearly trigger symptoms, such as rich meals, spicy foods, alcohol, or excess caffeine. Avoid smoking and avoid taking anti-inflammatory pain medicines unless a clinician has advised them, because they can irritate the stomach. A pharmacist can discuss an appropriate short-term option, including acid reflux medication, based on your symptoms, medicines, pregnancy status, and medical history.

Seek urgent medical help for chest pressure, breathlessness, sweating, faintness, severe or spreading pain, vomiting blood, black stools, repeated vomiting, or difficulty swallowing. Arrange a medical assessment if intense indigestion keeps returning, does not settle, or comes with unexplained weight loss, anaemia symptoms, or persistent loss of appetite.

Could my symptoms fit reflux, gastritis, gallstones, an ulcer, or Helicobacter pylori infection? Which medicines or foods should I avoid? Do I need an examination or testing if this continues?