Indigestion and heartburn

What is indigestion?

Indigestion is also called dyspepsia and is a term that people use to describe a range of different symptoms relating to the stomach and gastro-intestinal system.

Symptoms

The most common symptom is pain, usually after eating, in the upper part of the abdomen underneath the rib cage. This might be mild or severe – it’s not uncommon for people with severe indigestion to think they’re having a heart attack. The pain may be stabbing, or a generalised soreness.

Some people experience reflux – where acidic stomach contents are regurgitated up into the gullet causing a severe burning sensation. Other symptoms include bloating, wind, belching and nausea. Sometimes the pain of indigestion can be relieved by belching.

Causes and risk factors

Indigestion is very common. It can be caused by overindulgence (causing distension of the stomach), inflammation of the lining of the stomach or gullet (especially where the gullet empties into the stomach), ulcers, gallstones, irritable bowel syndrome or a hiatus hernia (where part of the stomach slides up into the chest cavity from the abdomen). Smoking, stress, and excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption all increase the risk of indigestion, as does being overweight.

To avoid it, eat small portions of food at regular intervals and avoid rushing meals. Keep fried, fatty and spicy food to a minimum.

Certain medicines, such as aspirin, can also cause indigestion by irritating the lining of the gastro-intestinal tract.

Regular exercise also helps to keep the GI tract working efficiently and reduces the risk of indigestion.

Treatment and recovery

Simple antacid medicines (alkalis) can neutralise stomach acid and form a protective layer over the lining of the stomach – there are many different types available from the pharmacy to try. Other medicines can be used to reduce acid production – talk to your pharmacist or GP.

If indigestion is persistent you should talk to your GP who can arrange tests to check for a stomach ulcer or look for other causes. If you have more serious symptoms such as weight loss, problems swallowing or vomiting blood you should get urgent medical advice.

Most people with indigestion don’t have a stomach ulcer, and just need simple treatments. But if an ulcer is diagnosed, antibiotics may be prescribed to eliminate the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which is often the cause of ulcers.

Advice and support

• CORE - Digestive Disorders Foundation
• Tel: 020 7486 0341
• Email: info@corecharity.org.uk
• Website: www.corecharity.org.uk