Overview
Most people have indigestion (dyspepsia) at some point. Usually, it's not a sign of anything more serious and you can treat it yourself.
Check if you have indigestion
Indigestion can be felt in different ways.
You can have the following symptoms after eating or drinking:
- heartburn - a painful, burning feeling in the chest, often after earting
- feeling full and bloated
- feeling sick
- belching and farting
- bringing up food or bitter tasting fluids into your mouth
When it's not indigestion
Stomach ache or back pain are usually not symptoms of indigestion. If you have those you might be constipated.
How you can treat indigestion yourself
There's usually no need to see a GP about indigestion. There are some things you can do at home.
Do:
- cut down on tea, coffee, cola or alcohol
- prop your head and shoulders up in bed – this can stop stomach acid coming up while you sleep
- lose weight if you're overweight
Don't:
- do not eat 3 to 4 hours before going to bed
- have rich, spicy or fatty foods
- do not take ibuprofen or aspirin unless it has been prescribed for you (speak to a pharmacist or GP if you take these medicines, as they can make indigestion worse)
- do not smoke
A pharmacist can help with indigestion
Indigestion is one of the conditions covered by the Common Ailments Scheme which is an NHS service that patients can access for free advice and free treatment and is available from 99% of pharmacies in Wales.
Find your nearest pharmacy here.
Find more information on the service here.
A pharmacist can recommend medicines that will ease the burning feeling or pain that can come with indigestion.
Medicines that help reduce acid in your stomach include
- antacids
- proton pump inhibitors.
Some indigestion medicines are best to take after eating as their effects last longer. Check the information leaflet that comes with the medicines for more information.
Find a pharmacy.
Pregnant women: treating indigestion
Pregnant women often get indigestion. It's very common from 27 weeks onwards.
It can be caused by hormonal changes and the growing baby pressing against the stomach.
A pharmacist can help with uncomfortable feelings or pain. They can recommend the best medicines to use when you're pregnant.
See a GP if you:
- keep getting indigestion
- are in severe pain
- have lost a lot of weight without meaning to
- have difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- keep being sick
- have iron deficiency anaemia
- feel like you have a lump in your stomach
- have bloody vomit or poo
These symptoms can be a sign of something more serious.
What causes indigestion
Indigestion is often caused by acid from your stomach irritating your stomach lining or throat. This is called acid reflux.
This can be caused or made worse by:
- certain food and drink – such as coffee, tomatoes, alcohol, chocolate and fatty or spicy foods
- being overweight
- smoking
- pregnancy
- stress and anxiety
- some medicines, including anti-inflammatory painkillers like ibuprofen
- hiatus hernia - when part of your stomach moves up into your chest
Indigestion can also be caused by an open sore in your stomach lining (stomach ulcer). Less often, it can be a sign of something more serious such as stomach cancer.