What causes indigestion?

Acid reflux can bring stomach contents upwards and cause burning or an unpleasant taste. Gastritis irritates the stomach lining, while Helicobacter Pylori Infection can contribute to irritation and ulcer disease. A peptic ulcer is a sore in the stomach or upper intestine. A hiatus hernia can allow part of the stomach to move through the diaphragm and may worsen reflux. Gallstones can cause upper abdominal discomfort, particularly after meals, though not every episode of indigestion is due to gallstones.

Large or rich meals, eating quickly, smoking, alcohol, stress and some pain medicines can trigger symptoms. Bloating, belching, early fullness and upper abdominal discomfort are common descriptions, but chest pain can have a non-digestive cause.

Notice whether symptoms follow particular foods, late meals, alcohol or medicines. Smaller meals, slower eating and remaining upright after eating may help. Avoid stopping prescribed medicine without advice. A pharmacist or clinician can explain whether Acid Reflux Medication is suitable and whether persistent symptoms need testing.

Keep a short symptom record with meal timing, pain location, vomiting, stool changes and any weight change. This gives a clinician useful detail when deciding whether reflux treatment or further assessment is appropriate.

Get urgent help for chest pressure, severe or sudden abdominal pain, vomiting blood, black stools, fainting, trouble swallowing or breathlessness. Arrange a medical review when indigestion keeps returning, interrupts sleep, causes repeated vomiting or does not settle with simple measures.

Ask whether your symptoms fit reflux, gastritis or another cause, whether Helicobacter Pylori Infection testing is relevant, and which medicines may irritate the stomach. Mention any swallowing difficulty, bleeding sign or persistent vomiting.