Indigestion: Causes, What Helps, and When to See a Provider

Almost everyone has had indigestion. It is discomfort or a burning feeling in the upper abdomen, and it may come with heartburn, belching, bloating, nausea or even vomiting.

What causes it

• eating too much or too fast
• high-fat foods
• eating while stressed
• smoking and drinking too much alcohol
• some medicines
• tiredness and ongoing stress

Sometimes the cause is a problem in the digestive tract, such as an ulcer or GERD. Avoiding the foods and situations that seem to set it off may help.

When to see a health care provider

Indigestion can be a sign of something more serious. See a provider if it lasts more than two weeks, or if you have severe pain or other symptoms. They may use X-rays, lab tests and an upper endoscopy to find the cause, and you may need medicines for the symptoms.

Sources

• MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, "Indigestion," drawing on the NIH National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://medlineplus.gov/indigestion.html
• Rewritten in hubnx's own words.