July 24, 2023 Michelle Schmanski

What Is Indigestion and How to Get Rid of It

If you’re feeling discomfort in your upper abdomen after a meal, you may be experiencing indigestion. Indigestion, also called dyspepsia or an upset stomach, is a common condition that can come with a variety of symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to intense pain.

Remember that indigestion isn’t a disease but a collection of symptoms. Fortunately, there are many ways to treat this.

What Happens When You Have Indigestion?

The experience of indigestion can vary from person to person. If you have indigestion, you may encounter:

• Feeling full without eating much
• Nausea and feeling as if you’re about to vomit
• Uncomfortable fullness after a meal, where the feeling of fullness lingers longer than usual
• Bloating in the upper abdomen and a sensation of tightness, a need to belch, or gassiness
• Noisy rumbling or gurgling sounds from your belly

Indigestion can sometimes come with heartburn, a painful or burning sensation in your chest. Heartburn is typically caused by the reflux of stomach acid into your esophagus, the tube connecting your mouth and stomach.

Dyspepsia can also manifest as acid reflux, the regurgitation of stomach acid into the throat or mouth. This can cause irritation and discomfort in the throat and lead to a sour or bitter taste in the mouth.

What Causes Indigestion?

Occasional indigestion is common and usually not a cause for concern. It can be triggered by factors such as:

• Eating too large of a meal
• Eating too quickly
• Eating high-fat, greasy, or spicy foods
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Medications such as antibiotics or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS) like
• ibuprofen
• Stress

How To Get Rid of Mild Indigestion

Mild or infrequent indigestion often resolves with lifestyle modifications and medication. Some ways to help stop indigestion include:

• Eating smaller, more frequent meals
• Avoiding physical activity immediately after meals
• Eating slower and chewing food completely
• Waiting a couple of hours after eating before lying down
• Changing medications that irritate the stomach, such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium
• Avoiding foods that are triggers
• Controlling stress and anxiety
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Quitting smoking
• Reducing or eliminating alcohol and caffeine

It’s important to consult your doctor if you have regular indigestion or experience sudden, disruptive symptoms as these could be a sign of an underlying health issue, such as:

• Gastric ulcers: Sores that develop on the stomach lining
• Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining
• Gallstones: Hard deposits in the gallbladder that can cause pain and indigestion
• Gastroparesis: A medical condition where the automatic movements of your stomach muscles during digestion don’t happen as they should
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): A condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus
• Infection: Microorganisms such as Helicobacter pylori can cause infections

When To Seek Medical Help

While mild indigestion is usually not a cause for concern, it’s essential to consult your doctor if discomfort persists for more than two weeks. Seek immediate medical help if your pain is severe or accompanied by:

• Unintentional weight loss
• Repeated vomiting
• Black and tarry stools
• Difficulty swallowing
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Chest pain radiating to the jaw, neck, or arm

Such symptoms could indicate a more serious underlying condition that needs urgent medical attention.

It’s Time to Take Control of Your Indigestion

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, don’t let them impact your quality of life. By scheduling an appointment with a doctor, you can take control of your digestive health and receive the treatment you need. Schedule an appointment today!

Request Appointment

Related:

• Indigestion Symptoms: When To See A Doctor
• 6 Diet Changes to Ease Gastrointestinal Issues
• Gas and Bloating