Important Note: This article provides general health information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of any health condition.
Indigestion happens when your stomach has trouble digesting food comfortably. This may cause the feeling of burning in your chest, a heaviness after meals, or a general discomfort in your upper abdomen.
It’s common and usually nothing to worry about, but if it keeps coming back or affects your appetite, it’s worth checking in with your doctor.
In this article, we’ll look at what causes indigestion, how it feels, and the simple steps you can take to get relief.
Understanding indigestion
It's common to hear people talk about experiencing ‘indigestion’, but what does that really mean? Let's break it down.
What is indigestion?
Indigestion (also known as dyspepsia) isn’t an illness on its own. Instead, it’s a term used to describe a group of symptoms that cause discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen or chest, usually during or after eating.
These symptoms happen when the normal digestive process is disrupted, such as when stomach acid irritates the lining of the stomach or oesophagus, or when food stays in the stomach for longer than usual.
This irritation can cause a burning feeling in the chest (often called heartburn), while slower digestion can lead to fullness, bloating, or nausea. Most cases are mild and temporary, but frequent indigestion may point to an underlying issue that needs medical advice.
What does indigestion feel like?
Indigestion can show up in different ways for different people, but there are some common signs to look out for. You might feel:
- An uncomfortable fullness: This can happen during a meal, making you feel full very quickly, or it can linger uncomfortably long after you've finished eating.
- Bloating: That uncomfortable tightness or swelling in your upper belly, often caused by trapped gas or slow digestion.
- Burning sensation: This is often felt in the upper part of your belly or even behind your breastbone. This can sometimes be confused with heartburn, which is a specific type of burning caused by stomach acid moving up.
- Pain or discomfort: A dull ache or a sharper pain can occur in the upper part of your stomach area.
- Nausea: Feeling a bit queasy or sick to your stomach.
- Burping: Repeated burping can also be a symptom, as your body tries to release trapped air.
- Acidic taste: Sometimes, a sour or acidic taste can come up into your mouth.
Why do we get indigestion? Common causes and triggers
Indigestion often pops up because of things we eat, how we eat, or even our daily habits. Some common reasons include:
- Dietary choices: Eating very spicy, fatty, or greasy foods can be tough on your stomach. Overeating or eating too quickly can also overload your digestive system.
- Drinks: Fizzy drinks, too much coffee, or alcohol can sometimes trigger indigestion.
- Lifestyle factors: Stress and anxiety can have a big impact on your digestion. Smoking can also contribute, and so can being overweight.
- Medications: Some medicines, like certain pain relievers (known as NSAIDs), can irritate your stomach lining and cause indigestion.
- Reflux disease (GORD): In some people, indigestion may be caused by a bacterial infection in the stomach, which can be diagnosed with a breath or stool test.
- Other conditions: Occasionally, indigestion-like symptoms can be a sign of another underlying health issue, such as stomach ulcers or gallstones.
If your symptoms keep returning or don’t improve with simple changes, book an appointment with one of our AHPRA registered Partner Doctors for advice.
When to see a doctor: important symptoms
While indigestion is usually harmless and passes on its own, there are times when it’s important to chat with a doctor. You should seek medical advice if:
- Your symptoms are severe or get worse
- You have difficulty swallowing food
- You experience unexplained weight loss
- You vomit blood or have black, tar-like stools (this could mean there’s bleeding in your stomach)
- You have chest pain that feels different from typical indigestion, especially if it spreads to your arm, neck, or jaw, or if you feel breathless. This could be a sign of something more serious and requires immediate medical attention.
If you're concerned, it's best to speak with a healthcare professiona today.
Managing indigestion: practical tips for relief
Many times, you can ease indigestion symptoms with some simple changes to your daily routine.
- Eat smaller meals: Instead of three big meals, try eating five or six smaller ones throughout the day.
- Chew slowly and thoroughly: Give your stomach a head start by breaking down food properly in your mouth.
- Avoid triggers: Pay attention to what foods and drinks seem to upset your stomach and try to limit them.
- Don't lie down after eating: Try to stay upright for at least two to three hours after a meal.
- Manage stress: Find ways to relax, whether it's through exercise, meditation, or hobbies.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, but perhaps not large amounts during meals.
- Quit smoking: If you smoke, quitting can significantly improve your digestive health.
- Over-the-counter remedies: Antacids or other medicines that reduce stomach acid can offer temporary relief. Your pharmacist can guide you on what might be suitable, but always read the label carefully. Long-term use without supervision isn’t recommended. These can be helpful for short-term relief, but if you find you’re needing them often, speak with your doctor. Long-term use of over-the-counter remedies without supervision isn’t recommended.
Do’s
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals
- Chew food slowly and thoroughly
- Identify and limit foods or drinks that trigger symptoms
- Stay upright for two to three hours after eating
- Manage stress with relaxation or gentle exercise
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day
- Stop smoking to reduce stomach irritation
- Use over-the-counter antacids as directed and seek advice if symptoms persist
Don't's
- Eat large or heavy meals, especially late at night
- Eat too quickly or while distracted
- Overindulge in spicy, fatty, or greasy foods
- Lie down or go to bed soon after meals
- Ignore ongoing stress or anxiety that affects digestion
- Drink excessive caffeine, alcohol, or fizzy drinks
- Smoke or use tobacco products
- Rely on antacids long-term without medical guidance
Key takeaways
Indigestion is a common and usually temporary discomfort in the upper abdomen. It's often linked to what and how we eat, as well as our lifestyle.
While there are many practical tips to help manage it, always pay attention to your body. If your symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by other worrying signs, please don't hesitate to speak with one of our AHPRA registered Partner Doctors today. They can provide a proper diagnosis and personalised guidance.
FAQs
Is indigestion the same as heartburn?
No, they're not quite the same, though they often get confused. Heartburn is a specific symptom of indigestion, which is the burning sensation in your chest caused by stomach acid irritating your oesophagus. Indigestion is a broader term that includes heartburn, but also other symptoms like bloating, nausea, and general stomach discomfort.
Can stress cause indigestion?
Yes, your gut and brain are closely linked. When you're stressed, your body's "fight or flight" response can affect digestion, slowing it down or changing how your stomach handles food, leading to indigestion. Managing stress is a key part of managing indigestion for many people.
How long does indigestion usually last?
The duration can vary. Mild indigestion might just last a few hours after a trigger meal. If it's related to specific foods, the discomfort should ease as the food moves through your system.
However, if your indigestion is persistent (meaning it keeps coming back or lasts for several days or weeks), it's a good idea to speak with a doctor to rule out any underlying causes.
Important disclaimer
This article provides general health information based on trusted Australian guidelines and is intended for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Always seek the advice of your general practitioner or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.
