Indigestion
Introduction
Indigestion (dyspepsia) is a general term for pain or discomfort felt in the stomach and under the ribs. Acid reflux is when acid moves up from the stomach into the gullet (oesophagus) and causes a burning pain behind your breastbone. Indigestion andheartburncan occur together or on their own. It'sa common problem thataffects most people at some point. In most cases it's mild and only occursoccasionally. This page covers: Symptoms of indigestion What causes indigestion When to see your GP Further investigations Treating indigestion Complications of indigestion
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Introduction
Find out about indigestion, a common problem that causes pain or discomfort in your upper abdomen (dyspepsia) or behind your breastbone (heartburn).
Symptoms of indigestion
As well as heartburn, other common symptoms of indigestion include: feeling uncomfortably full or bloated feeling sick belching or passing wind (flatulence) bringing up food or fluid from your s
What causes indigestion?
Indigestion is usually related to eating. When you eat, your stomach produces acid. The acid can sometimes irritate your stomach lining, the top part of the bowel, or the oesophagus. This irritation
When to see your GP
There's usually no need to seek medical advice for indigestionas it's often mild and infrequent and specialist treatment isn't required. However, you should see your GP if you have recurring indigest
Further investigations
Depending on your symptoms, your GP may want to investigate further. This is because indigestion can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying condition, such as a Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacte
Treating indigestion
Treatment for indigestion will vary depending on what's causingit and how severe your symptoms are. Most people are able to manage their indigestion by making simple diet and lifestyle changes, or ta
Complications of indigestion
In some cases, severe indigestion can cause complications. Oesophageal stricture If the lining of the oesophagus is severely irritated over time by acid reflux, the oesophagus may become scarred. T
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