What is indigestion (dyspepsia)?

Indigestion is a feeling of discomfort in the upper part of your abdomen (tummy) to the lower part of your chest. It usually happens after eating or drinking. It's also known as dyspepsia, indigestion or heartburn.

Symptoms of indigestion can include:

• discomfort, burning or pain in the upper abdomen (tummy)
• feeling full too soon after eating
• burping
• bloating
• nausea

Indigestion is a common problem in Australia. Around 1 in 10 people have indigestion. Some people might get it occasionally, while others get it a few times every day. It happens more often in females than in males. It can affect how people feel, how well they do their work and how well they sleep and eat.

Many people with indigestion have chronic indigestion. This is when your symptoms keep coming back.

Indigestion is usually not serious, however your doctor might want to check for other problems in your digestive system.

What causes indigestion?

The cause of indigestion is not fully understood. It's thought to be linked to inflammation (swelling) in your upper digestive system.

You might have indigestion when there are problems with how well food is moving from your stomach through your digestive system. Slow stomach emptying happens to 1 in every 5 people with indigestion.

Infections, allergies or changes in the bacteria in your gut may trigger indigestion.

Research suggests there is a connection between anxiety and depression and indigestion. Stomach discomfort is also a common symptom of anxiety.

Some things that can increase your chance of getting indigestion are:

• lifestyle factors, like diet and smoking
• some foods and drinks
• medicines
• cancer, but this is rare

Indigestion can be a symptom of digestive conditions, such as:

• gastroesophageal reflux disease, when stomach acid leaks from your stomach into your oesophagus (food pipe)
• peptic ulcers, like duodenal ulcers and stomach ulcers
• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection

Some medicines may cause indigestion, these include:

• aspirin
• NSAIDs
• osteoporosis medicine, like bisphosphonates
• antibiotics, like tetracyclines
• heart medicines, like calcium channel blockers

If you take a medicine that might be causing indigestion, ask your doctor or pharmacist if there are other options you can try.

When should I see my doctor?

Indigestion may not last long and can go away by itself, but it might be a sign of a more serious problem.

See your doctor if you have:

• weight loss that is unexpected
• blood in your vomit
• bloody or black stools (poo)
• difficulty or pain when swallowing

You should also see your doctor if you have indigestion symptoms and a close family member who has had cancer in their digestive system, such as stomach cancer or bowel cancer.

When to seek urgent care

Heart attack warning signs include:

• chest pain that goes on for more than a few minutes
• pain in your jaw, arm, back or neck
• shortness of breath
• sudden sweating
• nausea
• feeling dizzy or lightheaded

If you are unsure if your symptoms are caused by indigestion or a heart attack, you should call triple zero (000).

How is indigestion treated?

The treatment for indigestion depends on your symptoms and how much they impact your daily life. There are many treatment options, each with different levels of evidence for how well they work.

Self-care at home

If you have indigestion, the following tips may help:

• Chew your food well and eat slowly.
• Eat small meals every few hours instead of three big meals a day.
• Avoid eating for 3 hours before bedtime.
• Have drinks between meals instead of with meals.
• Raise the head of your bed if your symptoms get worse at night.

Different people have different triggers. Avoid or reduce things that trigger your indigestion, for example:

• fatty, spicy and acidic foods
• coffee and alcohol
• smoking
• stress and anxiety

Some people find that eating wheat causes their symptoms, and removing it from their diet might help, but there isn't strong evidence to support this.

A low FODMAP diet is a treatment that may help reduce bloating in irritable bowel syndrome, but there is no real evidence that it works for indigestion.

Learn more about your gut health and how it can impact your physical and mental wellbeing.

Over-the-counter medicines

If diet and lifestyle changes don't help, your pharmacist might suggest acid reducing medicines, like:

• an antacid
• a proton pump inhibitor (PPI)
• a H2 blocker

Prescription medicines

Your doctor might also prescribe stronger doses of proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers.

If acid reducing medicines don't help, your doctor might suggest other medicines, but there could be limited information on their use. Ask your doctor if medicines might cause side effects.

Medicines for H. pylori infection

If you have been tested for H. pylori and the test shows you have an infection, your doctor will prescribe medicines to kill the bacteria. This may help your indigestion symptoms.

If you test negative for H. pylori or if your symptoms continue after treatment for H. pylori, your doctor may suggest a medicine to reduce stomach acid.

Other treatment options

Cognitive behaviour therapy is another treatment option, but there isn't much information about how helpful it is for indigestion.

What are the complications of indigestion?

Indigestion is usually not serious. If it's severe and continues to happen, it can affect your daily life, including your ability to work and how well you sleep and eat.

Can indigestion be prevented?

Making changes to your diet and lifestyle can help prevent or relieve your indigestion symptoms and provide relief from acid indigestion.

Foods and drinks

Different foods can impact people differently. Try to avoid certain food and drinks if they trigger your symptoms. These could be:

• coffee and other drinks that have caffeine
• soft drinks and citrus fruit juices
• fatty or spicy foods
• chocolate
• peppermint

Eating habits

You may want to make changes to your eating habits. Some tips include:

• eating smaller, more frequent meals
• eating your evening meal at least 3 hours before going to bed

Other lifestyle adjustments

You may like to try:

• losing weight if you are living with overweight or obesity
• quitting smoking
• raising the head of your bed with a pillow or wedge and sleep on your left side

Resources and support

The Gut Foundation has information about how your digestive system works and how to keep your gut healthy.

The Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA) has information on conditions, tests and treatments that affect your gastrointestinal system.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.