At some point, you’ve probably had pain or discomfort in your tummy after eating or drinking. This is known as
(dyspepsia). Many people get it from time to time, and it’s usually mild and goes away on its own.At some point, you’ve probably had pain or discomfort in your tummy after eating or drinking. This is known as
(dyspepsia). Many people get it from time to time, and it’s usually mild and goes away on its own.Along with pain in your tummy, other common symptoms include a burning feeling in your chest (heartburn), loss of appetite,
, belching and .Looking for some relief? Read on to learn more about the causes of indigestion and the best ways to get rid of it.
Although the main symptom of indigestion is pain or discomfort in the top of your tummy, you may also experience the following:
Indigestion happens when acid from your stomach irritates the sensitive, protective lining of your stomach, food pipe (oesophagus) and the top part of your bowel.
It usually comes on after eating or drinking. The most common causes of mild and occasional indigestion are:
If you get indigestion a lot, it can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying health condition, such as:
Suitable treatment can depend on the cause of your indigestion and how severe your symptoms are, so speak to your doctor if you’re getting indigestion regularly.
If you only have indigestion occasionally and your symptoms are mild, you can usually manage it yourself. Try these 5 suggestions to get rid of your indigestion.
Making a few changes to your lifestyle will help you to avoid indigestion.
First, try to maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight puts more pressure on your stomach, which can push stomach acid up into your food pipe and cause indigestion.
Second, if you’re a smoker, try to quit. Chemicals in cigarette smoke can relax the muscle that divides your food pipe from your stomach, meaning acid can leak into your food pipe.
Some foods are known to be more likely to trigger indigestion and heartburn, including rich, spicy and fatty foods and chocolate, so you may want to avoid them. Cutting down on alcohol and drinks that contain caffeine, such as coffee, tea and cola, can also help.
Try to eat low-fat meat and fish, and grill your food rather than frying it. And stop eating 3 to 4 hours before going to bed.
Certain types of medication, including nitrates and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
, can cause heartburn and indigestion.Talk to your doctor if you think your medication could be causing indigestion. You shouldn’t stop taking a prescribed medication unless you’re told to do so by a healthcare professional.
Sleeping in a more upright position can help prevent stomach acid from rising up your food pipe during the night. Try using a couple of pillows to raise your head and shoulders up in bed, or slightly raise the head of your bed by putting something underneath the mattress.
There are also medicines that treat indigestion, which are available from a pharmacist or doctor. The most common types are:
They work in different ways, but they all either neutralise your stomach acid or stop it from being made. Speak to your pharmacist or doctor to find out if one of these options is suitable for you.
Indigestion is very common in pregnancy, especially from 27 weeks onwards. This can be caused by hormonal changes and your growing baby pressing against your stomach. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you need help with indigestion during pregnancy.
You should speak to your doctor about your indigestion if you:
Important: Our website provides useful information but is not a substitute for medical advice. You should always seek the advice of your doctor when making decisions about your health.