Indigestion

Your digestive system has several important parts, including the liver, stomach, gallbladder, colon, and small intestine. These organs work together to process the food you eat.

Feeling uncomfortable in your upper tummy is called indigestion, or dyspepsia. It's not a disease itself, but rather a description of specific symptoms. These symptoms often include pain in your belly and feeling full quickly after eating. Sometimes, indigestion can be a sign of a different problem with your digestive system.

Many people experience indigestion, and everyone's experience might be a little different. Some people only get indigestion occasionally, while others experience it every day. The symptoms can vary, too.

Fortunately, there are often ways to relieve indigestion. This might involve making some changes to your daily habits or taking medicine.

Having indigestion can make you feel uncomfortable after eating. Some common symptoms include feeling full quickly after starting a meal, or feeling overly full for a long time afterward. You might also experience a mild to severe ache or burning sensation in your upper stomach, between your breastbone and belly button. This area might also feel bloated or tight. Feeling nauseous is another possible symptom, though vomiting and belching are less common. Sometimes, indigestion is accompanied by heartburn, a burning feeling in your chest that can spread to your neck or back.

Most cases of mild indigestion aren't cause for concern. However, if the discomfort lasts more than two weeks, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor. You should also contact your doctor right away if you have:

• Severe pain
• Unintentional weight loss or loss of appetite
• Repeated vomiting, or vomiting that includes blood
• Black, tarry stools
• Difficulty swallowing that gets worse
• Fatigue or weakness (which could be a sign of anemia)

Seek immediate medical attention if you have any of the following:

• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Chest pain that spreads to your jaw, neck, or arm
• Chest pain when you're active or stressed

These more serious symptoms could indicate a more significant health problem. Remember, this information is for general knowledge and doesn't replace advice from a healthcare professional. Always talk to your doctor if you have concerns about your health.

Most cases of mild indigestion are not serious and will go away on their own. If your indigestion lasts longer than two weeks, though, it's a good idea to see your doctor.

However, there are some situations where you should contact your doctor right away. These include:

• Significant changes in your appetite or weight: If you're losing weight without trying, or if you're not eating as much as usual, this could be a sign of something more serious.

• Frequent or bloody vomiting: Repeated vomiting or vomiting that includes blood is a cause for concern.

• Dark, tarry stools: This is a potentially serious symptom that needs immediate medical attention.

• Difficulty swallowing: If you're having trouble swallowing, especially if it's getting worse, it's important to get checked out.

• Feeling tired or weak: Fatigue and weakness can be signs of anemia (low red blood cell count), which can have various causes. Talking to your doctor about these symptoms is a good idea.

• Severe pain: If your indigestion pain is very intense, it's important to see a doctor.

Urgent situations requiring immediate medical attention:

• Symptoms of a heart attack or other serious heart conditions: These can include shortness of breath, excessive sweating, or chest pain. If the chest pain spreads to your jaw, neck, or arm, seek immediate help. Also, chest pain that occurs during physical activity or stress is a serious concern and needs immediate attention.

In short, mild indigestion is often not a cause for major concern. But certain symptoms, especially those that are persistent, severe, or accompanied by other issues, warrant immediate attention from a healthcare professional.

Indigestion, that uncomfortable feeling in your stomach, can have many different reasons. Often, it's linked to how you live and what you eat, drink, or take as medicine. Here are some common causes:

• Eating too much or too fast: Gulping down a large meal quickly can overload your digestive system, leading to indigestion.
• Unhealthy foods: Fatty, greasy, or spicy foods can sometimes trigger indigestion. These foods can be harder for your stomach to break down.
• Drinks to avoid: Too much caffeine (like coffee or tea), alcohol, chocolate, or fizzy drinks can also cause indigestion.
• Smoking: Smoking can irritate your digestive system and make indigestion worse.
• Stress and anxiety: Feeling stressed or anxious can sometimes lead to indigestion. Stress can affect your entire body, including your digestion.
• Certain medications: Some medicines, like certain antibiotics, pain relievers, and iron supplements, can cause indigestion in some people. Always talk to your doctor if you think a medication is causing problems.

A common issue called "functional dyspepsia" (sometimes called "non-ulcer dyspepsia") is often a reason for indigestion. This is related to a condition called irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It's quite often a cause of stomach discomfort.

Beyond these common causes, indigestion can sometimes be a sign of other medical problems. These include:

• Gastritis: This is inflammation of the stomach lining.
• Peptic ulcers: These are sores that develop in the stomach or small intestine.
• Celiac disease: This is a condition where the body has a reaction to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.
• Gallstones: These are hard deposits that can form in the gallbladder.
• Constipation: Difficulty passing stool can sometimes lead to indigestion.
• Pancreatitis: This is inflammation of the pancreas, an organ that helps with digestion.
• Stomach cancer: While rare, stomach cancer can cause indigestion.
• Intestinal blockage: A blockage in the intestines can disrupt digestion.
• Intestinal ischemia: Reduced blood flow to the intestines can cause indigestion and other symptoms.
• Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can sometimes lead to digestive problems, including indigestion.
• Thyroid problems: Issues with your thyroid gland can also affect your digestion.
• Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause indigestion in some women.

If you're experiencing persistent indigestion, it's important to talk to a doctor. They can help determine the underlying cause and recommend the best course of action.

Heartburn, gas, or upset stomach – these are all types of indigestion. While indigestion itself isn't typically a dangerous health problem, it can be very unpleasant. It can make you feel uncomfortable and even make you want to eat less. This can lead to missing work or school, disrupting your daily routine, and affecting your overall well-being.

Your doctor will likely start by asking about your health history and doing a physical exam. This might be enough if your indigestion is mild and you aren't losing weight or throwing up often. However, if your indigestion started suddenly, is severe, or you're over 55, your doctor might suggest further tests.

These might include:

• Lab tests: These can check for anemia or other problems with your body's chemistry.

• Breath or stool tests: These tests look for a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). This bacteria can cause peptic ulcers, which can lead to indigestion.

• Endoscopy: This is a procedure where a thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted into your upper digestive tract. It's especially important for older people whose indigestion doesn't improve, as it lets doctors see any problems in the area. Sometimes, a small tissue sample (biopsy) is taken for further testing.

• Imaging tests (like X-rays or CT scans): These tests can look for blockages in your intestines or other issues.

If you have indigestion concerns, your doctor can help determine the best course of action. At Mayo Clinic, experts are available to provide care for your indigestion-related health concerns.

Indigestion can often be eased by lifestyle changes. Your doctor might suggest avoiding foods that bother your stomach. Instead of three big meals, try eating smaller meals more frequently, like five or six times a day. Cutting back or stopping alcohol and caffeine can also help. Certain pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen can irritate the stomach, so finding alternatives is important.

Managing stress and anxiety is also key. If these lifestyle changes don't resolve the problem, medication may be necessary.

A good starting point is over-the-counter antacids. If those aren't enough, other options include:

• Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): These medications reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces. They're often recommended if you also have heartburn along with indigestion.

• H2-receptor blockers: Similar to PPIs, these medicines lower stomach acid production.

• Prokinetics: These can help if your stomach is slow to empty its contents.

• Antibiotics: If a bacteria called H. pylori is causing the indigestion, antibiotics may be prescribed.

• Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications: Sometimes, these can help lessen the pain and discomfort associated with indigestion.

If your indigestion persists, talk to your doctor. They can help determine the best course of action for your specific situation. They might also recommend other approaches, such as acupuncture, cognitive behavioral therapy, or hypnosis, depending on your needs.