Indigestion
Many people deal with indigestion, sometimes called an upset stomach, at some point in their lives. Indigestion often brings pain or burning in the upper abdomen, bloating, or feeling uncomfortably full after eating even a small amount of food. These issues can affect daily comfort and may keep people from enjoying their meals.
Common triggers like overeating, eating too quickly, stress, certain foods or drinks, and some medicines usually cause indigestion. In some cases, underlying digestive conditions, such as acid reflux or ulcers, also play a role.
Definition of Symptom
Indigestion, also called dyspepsia, refers to a group of digestive symptoms that affect the upper part of the digestive tract. It is not a disease itself but a set of symptoms with different causes.
People with indigestion often feel pain, burning, or discomfort in the upper abdomen. They may also notice a feeling of fullness even after eating only a small amount. Common symptoms of indigestion include:
- Stomach pain or discomfort
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Heartburn
- Gas
- A sour or acidic taste in the mouth
- Loss of appetite
Indigestion symptoms most often happen in the area between the lower chest and upper belly. This area includes important parts of the digestive system like the stomach and the first part of the small intestine. These symptoms are linked to the digestive tract and can happen from time to time or become a frequent problem.
Some people also notice changes in bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea, though these are less common. Different people may have different symptoms even if the cause is similar.
Possible Causes/Diseases Condition
Many different health problems and diseases can cause indigestion. Some people experience it due to common conditions, while others have more serious issues. Common causes include:
- Overeating or eating too quickly
- High-fat or spicy foods
- Stress or anxiety
- Smoking or drinking alcohol
- Certain medicines (like painkillers and antibiotics)
Digestive diseases often linked to indigestion:
| Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Ulcers (Peptic ulcers) | Sores in the stomach or small intestine lining |
| Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) | Acid from the stomach flows back into the esophagus. |
| Acid Reflux | Stomach acid or contents move up into the esophagus. |
| Gastritis | Inflammation of the stomach lining. |
| Gallstones & Cholecystitis | Gallstones block digestive flow; cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder. |
| Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) | Causes stomach pain, gas, and changes in bowel habits. |
| Helicobacter Pylori Infection | A bacteria that damages stomach lining, leading to ulcers. |
| Gastroparesis | Stomach muscles don’t work well, slowing digestion. |
| Pancreatitis | Inflammation of the pancreas. |
| Hiatal Hernia | Part of the stomach moves up into the chest. |
| Stomach Cancer | Rare but possible cause of long-term indigestion. |
| Non-Ulcer Dyspepsia (Functional dyspepsia) | Indigestion with no visible cause. |
| Celiac Disease | Reaction to gluten causing digestive problems. |
| Hyperchlorhydria | Too much stomach acid. |
| Lower Esophageal Sphincter Issues | Weakness lets acid escape into the esophagus. |
| Eating Disorders | Disordered eating habits disrupt normal digestion. |
Other Non-Disease Causes
Many daily habits or commonly used products can trigger indigestion. Lifestyle factors play a big role. Overeating or eating too quickly can make the stomach work harder than usual, which leads to discomfort. High-fat or spicy foods are also known to slow digestion and upset the stomach.
Some drinks and foods can make indigestion worse. Caffeine, carbonated beverages, and alcohol can all irritate the stomach lining. Smoking increases stomach acid and relaxes muscles that usually keep acid in place. Certain commonly used medications can cause irritation. Here are examples:
| Medication/Class |
|---|
| NSAIDs |
| Pain relievers |
| Antibiotics |
| Iron supplements |
| Osteoporosis meds |
| Acid reducers |
Stress and anxiety can make indigestion worse. The digestive system responds to emotional upset with muscle spasms and more acid production Other causes include using proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers for a long time, which may affect normal digestion. Even some herbs and teas, like peppermint tea, may relax the stomach muscles too much and cause symptoms for certain people.
How It Causes the Symptom
Indigestion happens when the digestive system has trouble breaking down food. Food and stomach acid can irritate the lining of the stomach or esophagus, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain or a burning feeling in the chest.
Stomach acid can move back into the esophagus, especially after eating. This causes heartburn and sometimes a burning pain. When gas builds up in the stomach, people may feel bloating, burping, or flatulence. These symptoms come from extra air or gases produced during digestion.
Some may also notice nausea or even vomiting if digestion slows down or the stomach becomes too irritated. A common problem is feeling full after only a small amount of food. This can happen when the stomach empties slowly. People may also experience:
- Regurgitation: Food coming back up into the throat.
- Belching: Releasing gas from the stomach through the mouth.
- Difficulty Swallowing: Trouble moving food or liquid down.
The table below shows some common symptoms and what causes them:
| Symptom | Cause |
|---|---|
| Heartburn | Acid backing up into the esophagus |
| Abdominal pain | Stomach lining irritation |
| Bloating/Flatulence | Gas produced during digestion |
| Nausea/Vomiting | Slow or upset digestion |
| Early satiety | Slowed stomach emptying |
| Regurgitation | Food moving back up the esophagus |
| Difficulty swallowing | Narrowed or irritated esophagus |
Possible Complications
Some people with indigestion may develop problems if symptoms last a long time or get worse. These complications are more likely when indigestion is linked to another health issue. Significant weight loss can happen if the person is not able to eat or keep food down because of ongoing discomfort.
Persistent bloating is another possible complication. If bloating does not go away, it could be a sign of a more serious condition in the digestive system. Jaundice, which is yellowing of the skin or eyes, can occur if indigestion comes from liver or gallbladder issues. This is usually a sign that something else is wrong. In rare cases, severe indigestion can lead to:
- Scarring of the food pipe (esophagus).
- Narrowing of the passage from the stomach to the intestines.
- Increased risk of esophageal cancer if untreated for a long time.
| Complication | Possible Sign |
|---|---|
| Weight Loss | Unexpected drop in body weight |
| Persistent Bloating | Ongoing feeling of fullness or swelling |
| Jaundice | Yellow skin or eyes |
| Esophageal Scarring | Trouble swallowing, chest pain |
| Narrowed Passage | Vomiting, severe stomach pain |
When to Seek Medical Attention
Most people can manage indigestion with over-the-counter medicine or home remedies such as eating smaller meals, avoiding trigger foods, and staying upright after eating. However, contact a doctor if indigestion:
- Lasts for more than two weeks.
- Is severe or keeps coming back.
- Happens with weight loss, trouble swallowing, or frequent vomiting.
Warning signs that need urgent care:
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing.
- Blood in vomit or black, tar-like stools.
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, or pain spreading to the neck, jaw, or arm.
- Sweating or unusual fatigue with indigestion.
Doctors may suggest further tests for ongoing symptoms:
| Test Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Endoscopy | Checks for damage or disease inside the digestive tract. |
| Blood test | Looks for infection, anemia, or other issues. |
| Breath test | Detects certain infections, like H. pylori. |
If lifestyle changes and medicine do not help, or if warning signs appear, get a professional evaluation.
