Indigestion (dyspepsia) is a mild discomfort in the upper belly or abdomen. It often occurs during or right after eating. It may feel like:
- Heat, burning, or pain in the area between the navel and the lower part of the breastbone
- Unpleasant fullness that starts soon after a meal begins or when the meal is over
Indigestion is NOT the same as heartburn.
Dyspepsia; Uncomfortable fullness after meals
Most of the time, indigestion is not a sign of a serious health problem unless it occurs with other symptoms. These may include:
- Weight loss
- Trouble swallowing
Rarely, the discomfort of a heart attack is mistaken for indigestion.
Indigestion may be triggered by:
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Eating spicy, fatty, or greasy foods
- Eating too much (overeating)
- Eating too fast
- Stress or being nervous
- Eating high-fiber foods
- Smoking tobacco
- Drinking too many caffeinated beverages
Other causes of indigestion are:
- Gastritis (when the lining of the stomach becomes inflamed or swollen)
- Swelling of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
- Ulcers (stomach or intestinal ulcer)
- Use of certain medicines such as antibiotics, aspirin, and over-the-counter pain medicines (NSAIDs)
Changing the way you eat may help your symptoms. Steps you can take include:
- Allow enough time for meals.
- Chew food carefully and completely.
- Avoid arguments during meals.
- Avoid excitement or exercise right after a meal.
- Relax and get rest if indigestion is caused by stress.
Avoid aspirin and other NSAIDs. If you must take them, do so on a full stomach.
Antacids may relieve indigestion.
Medicines you can buy without a prescription, such as ranitidine (Zantac) and omeprazole (Prilosec OTC) can relieve symptoms. Your health care provider may also prescribe these medicines in higher doses or for longer periods of time.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your provider if:
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
Your provider will do a physical exam on the stomach area and digestive tract. You will be asked questions about your symptoms.
You may have some tests, including:
- Ultrasound test of the abdomen
- Blood tests
- Upper endoscopy
Mayer EA. Functional gastrointestinal disorders: irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia, chest pain of presumed esophageal origin, and heartburn. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 137.
Tack J. Dyspepsia. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 14.