Indigestion (dyspepsia) causes discomfort or a burning sensation around your stomach after eating. It is a common problem and most people have it at some point.
Usually, it is not a sign of anything more serious. You can treat it yourself.
Symptoms of indigestion
Symptoms of indigestion after eating or drinking include:
- heartburn – a painful burning feeling in the chest
- feeling full and bloated
- feeling sick
- belching and farting
- bringing up food or bitter-tasting fluids into your mouth
When it is not indigestion
Severe back pain or intense feeling in the chest that feels like tightness or squeezing are not symptoms of indigestion. Get urgent medical advice if you feel this. There may be another cause.
Heartburn and acid reflux
Heartburn and acid reflux are the same thing – when acid from your stomach comes up your throat. You'll have a burning feeling when this happens. This can be a symptom of indigestion.
Treating indigestion yourself
There's usually no need to see a GP about indigestion. There are some things you can do at home.
Do
-
cut down on tea, coffee, soft drinks or alcohol
-
prop your head and shoulders up in bed – this can stop stomach acid coming up while you sleep
-
lose weight if you have excess weight
Don't
-
do not eat 3 to 4 hours before going to bed
-
do not have rich, spicy or fatty foods
-
do not take ibuprofen or aspirin – this can make indigestion worse
-
do not smoke
A pharmacist can help with indigestion
A pharmacist can recommend medicines to ease the burning feeling or pain that can come with indigestion.
Medicines that help reduce acid in your stomach include:
- antacids
- proton pump inhibitors, such as pantoprazole, omeprazole or lansoprazole
Some indigestion medicines are best to take after eating as their effects last longer. Check the leaflet that comes with the medicines for more information.
When to contact your GP
Non-urgent advice: Contact your GP if you:
- keep getting indigestion
- are in severe pain
- are 55 or older
- have lost a lot of weight without meaning to
- have difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- keep being sick
- have iron deficiency anaemia
- feel like you have a lump in your stomach
- have bloody vomit or poo
These symptoms can be a sign of something more serious. You may need some tests such as a gastroscopy (camera) to make sure everything is ok.
Pregnant women and indigestion
Pregnant women often get indigestion. It's very common from 27 weeks onwards.
It can be caused by hormonal changes and the growing baby pressing against your stomach.
A pharmacist can help with uncomfortable feelings or pain. They can recommend the best medicines to use when you're pregnant.
Indigestion and heartburn in pregnancy
Causes of indigestion
The acid in your stomach can irritate your stomach lining or your throat. This causes indigestion and gives you a burning feeling and pain.
Other things that can cause indigestion include:
- medicines
- smoking
- alcohol
- a type of bacterial infection called helicobacter pylori
Stress can make indigestion worse.
Illnesses that can cause indigestion:
- hiatus hernia
- stomach ulcer
- stomach cancer
- helicobacter pylori infections
- gastro-oesophageal disease (GORD)
Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE
