Very bad indigestion: what to know

Indigestion can feel like burning, fullness, early satiety, belching, nausea or discomfort in the upper abdomen. Acid Reflux and a Hiatus Hernia can allow stomach contents to move upwards. Gastritis, Helicobacter Pylori Infection or a Peptic Ulcer can irritate the stomach or duodenal lining. Gallstones may cause upper abdominal pain, often after meals, but these possibilities cannot be separated by the sensation alone.

Choose smaller meals, eat slowly, and remain upright after eating. Notice whether fatty foods, spicy foods, coffee, alcohol, smoking or anti-inflammatory pain medicines make symptoms worse. Avoid lying down soon after a meal and keep a record of pain, vomiting, stool colour, weight change and swallowed food. A pharmacist or clinician can advise whether Acid Reflux Medication is suitable and whether testing is needed; do not stop prescribed treatment without advice.

Seek emergency care for chest pressure, breathlessness, sweating, faintness or pain spreading to the arm, jaw or back. Get urgent assessment for vomiting blood, black stools, severe worsening abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, yellow skin, fever or difficulty swallowing. Arrange a medical review for symptoms that keep returning, wake you at night, cause unplanned weight loss or do not improve with simple measures.

Could reflux, gastritis, an ulcer, gallstones or Helicobacter Pylori Infection explain this pattern? Should I review any pain medicines? Would testing or Acid Reflux Medication help, and which warning signs should I watch for?