Quick indigestion relief: what to know

Indigestion, also called dyspepsia, is discomfort in the upper abdomen. It can include burning, early fullness, bloating, nausea, belching, or an unpleasant feeling after eating. A single episode may follow a heavy, fatty, spicy, or rushed meal, but repeated symptoms can have other causes.

Reflux, irritation of the stomach lining, gallstones, a hiatus hernia, Helicobacter pylori infection, or a peptic ulcer can sometimes contribute to recurring upper-abdominal symptoms. The sensation alone cannot identify the cause.

Stay upright after eating and loosen tight clothing around your waist. Take small sips of water, eat slowly, and choose a smaller, simpler meal when you next eat. Avoid lying down soon after food, alcohol, smoking, and anything you already know triggers your symptoms.

A pharmacist can help you choose an antacid or another suitable option, especially if you take regular medicines, are pregnant, or have kidney, liver, or heart problems. Follow the label and do not keep treating symptoms repeatedly without finding out why they recur. Acid reflux medication may be useful when reflux is the main pattern, but it is not suitable for every cause of indigestion.

Get urgent medical help for severe or persistent chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting, vomiting blood, or black, tarry stools. Seek prompt assessment for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or difficulty swallowing.

Arrange a medical review if indigestion keeps returning, is getting worse, affects eating or sleep, or comes with unintentional weight loss, loss of appetite, or unusual tiredness. A clinician may ask about medicines, meals, reflux symptoms, and bowel changes before deciding whether tests or treatment are needed.

Ask what might be driving the symptoms, whether any medicine could be irritating your stomach, and which warning signs should change your next step. Bring a short record of when symptoms occur, what you ate, whether lying down worsens them, and what relieved or aggravated the discomfort.