Causes

Most of the time, indigestion is not a sign of a serious health problem unless it occurs with other symptoms. These may include:

  • Bleeding
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Weight loss

Rarely, the discomfort of a heart attack is mistaken for indigestion.

Indigestion may be triggered by:

  • Drinking too many caffeinated beverages
  • Drinking too much alcohol
  • Eating spicy, fatty, or greasy foods
  • Eating too much (overeating)
  • Eating too fast
  • Eating high-fiber foods
  • Smoking or chewing tobacco
  • Stress or being nervous

Other causes of indigestion are:

  • Gallstones
  • Gastritis (when the lining of the stomach becomes inflamed or swollen)
  • Swelling of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
  • Ulcers (stomach or intestinal ulcer)
  • Use of certain medicines such as antibiotics, aspirin, and over-the-counter pain medicines (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen)

Definition

Indigestion (dyspepsia) is a mild discomfort in the upper belly or abdomen. It often occurs during or right after eating. It may feel like:

  • Heat, burning, or pain in the area between the navel and the lower part of the breastbone
  • Unpleasant fullness that starts soon after a meal begins or when the meal is over

Bloating and nausea are less common symptoms.

Indigestion is NOT the same as heartburn.

References

Mayer EA. Functional gastrointestinal disorders: irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia, chest pain of presumed esophageal origin, and heartburn. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 128.

Tack J. Dyspepsia. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 14.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

Your provider will do a physical exam of the stomach area and digestive tract. You will be asked questions about your symptoms.

You may have some tests, including:

  • Blood tests
  • Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD or upper endoscopy)
  • Ultrasound test of the abdomen

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Get medical help right away if your symptoms include jaw pain, chest pain, back pain, heavy sweating, anxiety, or a feeling of impending doom. These are possible heart attack symptoms.

Contact your provider if:

  • Your indigestion symptoms change noticeably.
  • Your symptoms last longer than a few days.
  • You have unexplained weight loss.
  • You have sudden, severe abdominal pain.
  • You have trouble swallowing.
  • You have yellow coloring of the skin and eyes (jaundice).
  • You vomit blood or pass blood in the stool (which may appear black).

Schedule an appointment

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