Indigestion

Indigestion

• About indigestion
• Symptoms of indigestion
• Causes of indigestion
• Diagnosing indigestion
• Treating indigestion
• Complications of indigestion

About indigestion

Indigestion can be pain or discomfort in your upper abdomen (dyspepsia) or burning pain behind the breastbone (heartburn).

Dyspepsia and heartburn may occur together or on their own. Symptoms usually appear soon after eating or drinking.

Common associated symptoms include:

• feeling full or bloated
• feeling sick (nausea)
• belching
• bringing up (regurgitating) fluid or food into the gullet (oesophagus)

Indigestion is a common problem that affects many people, but in most cases it’s mild and only occurs occasionally.

Read more about the symptoms of indigestion.

Why it happens

Indigestion may be caused by stomach acid coming into contact with the sensitive, protective lining of the digestive system (mucosa). The stomach acid breaks down the lining, leading to irritation and inflammation, which can be painful.

The majority of people with indigestion don’t have inflammation in their digestive system. Therefore, their symptoms are thought to be caused by increased sensitivity of the mucosa (to acidity or stretching).

In most cases indigestion is related to eating, although it can be triggered by other factors such as smoking, drinking, alcohol, pregnancy, stress or taking certain medications.

Read more about the causes of indigestion.

Treating indigestion at home

Most people are able to treat indigestion with simple changes to their diet and lifestyle, or with a number of different medications, such as antacids.

Read more about the treatment of indigestion.

Very rarely, a serious underlying health condition is the cause of indigestion. If this is suspected, then further investigation such as an endoscopy will be required.

When to get professional advice

Pharmacy First Scotland: Indigestion treatment from your pharmacy

If you have symptoms of indigestion you can get treatment directly from a pharmacy. Find your local pharmacy on Scotland’s Service Directory.