Indigestion

1. Heartburn: Foods to Eat, Foods to Avoid Slideshow Pictures
2. Digestive Disease Myths Slideshow Pictures
3. Take the GERD Quiz

• Indigestion Quick Overview
• What is indigestion?
• What does indigestion feel like?
• What are the signs and symptoms of indigestion?
• What causes indigestion?
• What diseases or conditions cause indigestion?
• What medications cause indigestion?
• What lifestyle factors cause indigestion?
• When should I call a doctor for indigestion?
• What kind of doctor treats indigestion?
• How is indigestion diagnosed?
• What home remedies help relieve and sooth indigestion?
• What medications treat indigestion?
• Can indigestion be prevented?
• Do I need to follow-up with my health-care professional for indigestion?
• What is the prognosis for a person with indigestion?

• Indigestion is an uncomfortable feeling of fullness, pain, or burning in your upper abdomen.
• Symptoms of indigestion include
  • abdominal pain,
  • heartburn or acid indigestion (acid reflux),
  • bloating,
  • gas,
  • nausea,
  • acidic taste in the mouth,
  • stomach discomfort,
  • constipation or diarrhea, and
  • decreased appetite.
• Indigestion has many causes including medical conditions, medications, diet, and lifestyle.
• Tests to diagnose indigestion include blood tests, abdominal ultrasound, endoscopy, colonoscopy, upper GI and small bowel X-ray series, CT scan or MRI of the abdomen, and a gastric emptying study.
• The first line of treatment for many cases of indigestion is
  • lifestyle changes including eating slower, eating smaller amounts,
  • avoiding alcohol and caffeine,
  • quitting smoking,
  • avoiding trigger foods, and
  • losing weight.
• Medications to treat indigestion include antacids and acid blockers.
• Treatment of indigestion is centered on treating the underlying cause.
• The prognosis for indigestion is generally good if indigestion is caused by lifestyle factors. The outlook for indigestion caused by a disease or medical condition varies depending on the resolution of that condition.

Indigestion is a term that describes a feeling of fullness or discomfort in the upper abdomen. Signs of indigestion may be vague but can also include belching, heartburn, bloating, and nausea. Also called dyspepsia (and non-acid dyspepsia), it is a common symptom caused by many conditions and is not a disease unto itself. Some investigators suggest heartburn and indigestion are closely related, others separate these two conditions.

Indigestion is an uncomfortable feeling in your upper abdomen. It may feel like fullness, pain, or burning in that area. You may also feel bloated or nauseous.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

---

VIEW

Diarrhea and Digestive Distress: Problem Foods to Avoid

Must Read Articles Related to Indigestion

Abdominal Pain in Adults Abdominal pain in adults can range from a mild stomach ache to severe pain. Examples of causes of abdominal pain in adults include learn more >>

Abdominal Pain in Children Abdominal pain in children can range from trivial to life-threatening. Some possible causes of learn more >>

Acid Reflux Disease (GERD) Acid reflux (GERD) is caused by acid backing up from the stomach. Causes of acid reflux include learn more >>

See the Entire Indigestion Topic Guide »