Health Library

Indigestion

(Dyspepsia; Non-ulcer Dyspepsia; Non-ulcer Stomach Pain)

by Rhianon Davies

En Español (Spanish Version)

Definition

Indigestion is discomfort in the upper abdomen or chest. It is often linked to nausea, belching, or bloating.

Locations of Indigestion Symptoms

Causes

The exact cause is not known. Most often, the condition is linked to a number of unhealthy lifestyle factors. These factors can result in poor digestion.

Risk Factors

The following lifestyle factors increase your chances of experiencing indigestion:

Overeating

Eating too quickly or at irregular intervals

Eating greasy, high-fat, or spicy foods

Drinking caffeine, alcohol, or soft drinks in excess

Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (eg, aspirin , ibuprofen )

Smoking
Psychological stress

Symptoms

Indigestion is characterized by a variety of symptoms, including:

Pain or burning sensation in the upper abdomen or chest
Nausea
Abdominal bloating
Belching or regurgitation

It is common to have indigestion occasionally. If the episodes worsen or happen more frequently, make an appointment to see your doctor. If you have indigestion, important reasons to call your doctor include:

Having trouble swallowing
Vomiting with most episodes
Experiencing weight loss
Being aged 55 or older
Having a family history of cancer

Call for medical help or go to the emergency room right away if you have:

Severe abdominal pain
Blood in your stool or dark black stool
Blood in the vomit
Trouble breathing
Chest pain

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. Indigestion is diagnosed mainly on the symptoms listed above.

Tests may be ordered if your symptoms worsen or you have more serious symptoms, like severe abdominal pain. Examples of tests that may be ordered include:

Laboratory blood work

Barium x-ray —a chalky solution is used to highlight the upper digestive tract in an x-ray
Ultrasound —high-frequency sound waves a used to view and examine the organs of the abdominal cavity
Endoscopy—a long, thin tube affixed with a light and camera is inserted into the throat to examine the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine
Gastric emptying study—food containing a small amount of radioactive material is tracked to help determine the rate at which the stomach empties of food

Treatment

Your doctor will suggest a plan based on the severity of your symptoms. Treatment options may include the following:

Your doctor may advise you to:

Reduce your intake of fatty and spicy foods.

Eat smaller meals throughout the day (instead of three large meals).

Reduce your intake of alcohol, caffeine, and carbonated beverages.

If you smoke, quit.
Avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
If stress is related to your symptoms, find ways to manage stress.
Lose weight if you are overweight.
Exercise regularly.

Medicines your doctor may recommend include:

Antacids (eg, Rolaids , Maalox Advanced Regular Strength, Mylanta)—to help neutralize stomach acid
Acid suppression agents (eg Zantac , Pepcid , or Prilosec )
Prokinetic agents—to help the stomach empty its contents more quickly
Antidepressants—to treat the pain associated with indigestion
Antibiotics—to treat a bacterial infection ( Helicobacter pylori) (only used if tests confirm that you have this infection)

If the discomfort persists, your doctor may order tests to determine if the symptoms are related to a more serious condition, such as:

Prevention

To prevent indigestion:

Avoid overeating.

Eat slowly and regularly.

Avoid greasy, high-fat foods.

Limit spicy foods.

Do not smoke.

Drink coffee, alcohol, and caffeinated beverages in moderation.

Maintain a healthy weight.

Exercise regularly.

Practice relaxation techniques.

The American College of Gastroenterology

http://www.acg.gi.org/

American Gastroenterological Association

http://www.gastro.org/

The Canadian Association of Gastroenterology

http://www.cag-acg.org/

The College of Family Physicians of Canada

http://www.cfpc.ca/

Dyspepsia: treatment. Family Doctor.org website. Available at: http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/dyspepsia/treatment.html. Updated November 2010. Accessed January 17, 2012.

Functional dyspepsia. University of North Carolina School of Medicine website. Available at: http://www.med.unc.edu/wrkunits/2depts/medicine/fgidc/collateral/functional_dyspepsia_06132005.pdf#search=%22dyspepsia%22.

Functional dyspepsia (non-ulcer dyspepsia). The Merck Manual website. Available at: http://www.merck.com/mrkshared/mmanual/section3/chapter21/21c.jsp.

Karamanolis G, Caenepeel P, Arts J, Tack J. Association of the predominant symptom with clinical characteristics and pathophysiological mechanisms in functional dyspepsia. Gastroenterology. 2006; 130:296

Indigestion: lifestyle and home remedies. Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/indigestion/DS01141/DSECTION=lifestyle-and-home-remedies. Updated April 29, 2011. Accessed January 17, 2012.

Mertz H, Fullerton S, Naliboff B, Mayer EA. Symptoms and visceral perception in severe functional organic dyspepsia. Gut. 1998; 42:814.

Non-ulcer stomach pain. Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stomach-pain/DS00524.

Tack J, Talley NJ, Camilleri M, et al. Functional gastroduodenal disorders. Gastroenterology. 2006; 130:466

3/1/2010 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php: Maalox Total Relief and Maalox liquid products: medication use errors. US Food and Drug Administration website. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm200672.htm. Published February 17, 2010. Accessed March 2, 2010.

Last reviewed September 2012 by Daus Mahnke, MD

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.